Gamete and Embryo Quality Assessment using Staining and Holotomography
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Analysis of organelle distribution and positioning in human oocytes, sperm and embryos using three-dimensional holotomography with fluorescent module
IRAS ID
360236
Contact name
Teodora Popa
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Avenues Clinic
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Around 1 in 6 couples experience infertility, and despite major advances in fertility treatments, only 35% of IVF cycles result in a live birth. A key reason for this is the difficulty in accurately assessing the quality of sperm, eggs (oocytes), and embryos. At present, fertility clinics rely on visual inspection under a microscope, which is subjective and cannot detect critical biological features inside the cells.
This study aims to improve our understanding of what makes a high-quality gamete or embryo by studying internal structures—called organelles—such as mitochondria, which are responsible for energy production and play a crucial role in early development. Currently, these structures are not routinely or non-invasively assessed in IVF settings.
We will use an advanced imaging method called holotomography (HT) to generate 3D images of human sperm, oocytes, and embryos. This technique is non-invasive and does not require staining or damaging the cells. A second method, called spinning disk confocal microscopy, will be used to create stained images of the same cells, and the two sets of images will be compared. These images will then be used to train artificial intelligence (AI) to recognise organelle features—such as size, shape, and distribution—in unstained cells.
Samples will come from patients undergoing IVF at Avenues Fertility Clinic in London, who have agreed to donate sperm, eggs, or embryos that are surplus or would otherwise be discarded. Participation in the study involves no additional procedures, visits, or changes to treatment. The study will last 30 months.
In the future, this research could help develop AI tools that provide more accurate, non-invasive ways of selecting the best embryos for transfer, potentially improving IVF success rates and personalised treatment.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
25/WS/0132
Date of REC Opinion
14 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion