The third generation technology of IVF
In vitro fertilization means that an embryo is cultivated in the laboratory through in vitro fertilization technology, and then implanted into the mother's uterus to develop into a baby. With the progress of science and technology, the technology of IVF is also developing and innovating. Next, we will elaborate on the technology of the third generation of IVF from four aspects: embryo screening, embryo culture, gene editing and surrogacy technology.
Embryo screening technology
Embryo screening technology is one of the key steps in the process of IVF, which can help doctors select the best embryos for implantation. At present, embryo screening techniques include genetic screening and morphological screening.
In genetic screening, the commonly used techniques are embryo chromosome karyotype detection (PGT-A) and single gene disease genetic detection (PGT-M). Embryo chromosome karyotype detection can detect whether there are chromosomal abnormalities in embryos, such as the common Down syndrome. Single gene disease genetic testing is mainly used to detect mutation sites of common genetic diseases, so as to avoid implantation of embryos with genetic disease risk.
In addition to genetic screening, morphological screening is also a commonly used embryo screening method. The doctor will observe the appearance and cell development of the embryo, and select the well bred and structurally sound embryo for implantation.
Embryo culture technology
Good embryo culture technology can improve the success rate of IVF. The third generation IVF embryo culture technology mainly includes continuous culture and single embryo culture.
Continuous culture refers to the continuous culture of embryos in an in vitro incubator until the embryo implantation stage. Continuous culture can provide a more stable culture environment, so that embryos can naturally develop to the implantation stage, and improve the embedding rate of embryos.
Single embryo culture is to place each fertilized egg in a culture dish separately for culture. This technique can reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy and improve the success rate of embryo implantation into the mother's uterus.
Gene editing technology
Gene editing technology is one of the important breakthroughs in the third generation of IVF technology. Through gene editing techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9, the genes of embryos can be precisely modified.
Gene editing technology can be used for gene repair of genetic diseases. For example, if a couple carries a mutation gene of a genetic disease, they can repair the gene of the embryo through gene editing technology to avoid implanting the embryo at risk of genetic disease into the mother's uterus.
However, gene editing technology has also triggered ethical disputes. Therefore, the current research on human embryo gene editing is still in its infancy, and needs to further weigh the pros and cons and standardize.
Gestational Surrogacy
Surrogate technology refers to the technology of implanting the embryo into the uterus of the surrogate for delivery. Surrogacy technology plays an important role in the field of test tube baby.
Surrogate technology is mainly applied to couples who are unable to conceive or who are at high risk of pregnancy. Embryos obtained through IVF can be selectively implanted into surrogates to make them pregnant and deliver babies.
The surrogacy technology needs to follow the legal and moral norms to ensure the protection and legitimacy of the rights and interests of the surrogate and the couple.
Summary
The development of the third generation technology of IVF provides more choices and hopes for infertile couples. Innovation and progress in embryo screening technology, embryo culture technology, gene editing technology and surrogacy technology have greatly improved the success rate and quality of IVF. However, with the further development of technology, we also need to seriously consider and examine the ethical issues to ensure that the application of technology is legal and ethical.
