Sophia Blomfield

Citation

Thesis Title
Characterisation of the physical environment of embryos throughout in vitro culture

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Temperature, oxygen concentrations, and pH are all important factors in an embryo’s environment, which may impact on embryo viability if they deviate from desired levels. Characterisation of changes in these factors throughout embryo culture for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) has been limited due to measurement difficulties. Ms Blomfield used engineering principles and mathematical modelling to describe the physical environment that embryos may be exposed to throughout an open embryo culture system, which is used by the majority of IVF clinics worldwide. She identified many simple practical steps that minimise changes in embryos’ physical environment and thus minimise its effect on embryo viability. Her findings provide a basis for

Supervisors
Dr Gabe Redding
Dr John Peek
Mr John Gawith
Professor John Bronlund