NanoUterus.Like: the new era of 3D embryo culture for improving animal reproductive efficiency

• Grant number: 24/18064-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Reproduction
• Principal Investigator: Sarah Gomes Nunes
• Grantee: Sarah Gomes Nunes
• Company: BLASTOCELL BIOTECHNOLOGIES LTDA
• CNAE: Criação de bovinos ; Atividades de apoio à pecuária
• Associated research grant: 22/06068-5 - Nanouterus.like: commercial implementation of a 3d culture system to improve in vitro embryo production, AP.PIPE
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/12093-0 - Development of the NanoUterus.Like system to improve the production of in vitro produced bovine embryos, BP.TT; 25/12106-5 - NanoUterus.Like: the new era of 3D embryo culture for improving animal reproductive efficiency, BP.PIPE

Abstract

Our research focuses on the development of in vitro 3D maturation (IVM-3D) as an innovative approach aimed at optimizing the production of bovine embryos. Despite the advancement of research in IVM-3D in various species, no 3D system has comprehensively established itself in the scientific literature. Additionally, the intrinsic complexity of this technique has hindered its commercial adoption. In this proposal, we reaffirm our three-dimensional maturation system (IVM-3D), called NanoUterus.Like, conceived and validated by our company, BlastoCell Biotechnologies. NanoUterus.Like possesses ultrastructural and biochemical characteristics capable of creating a physical (support) and chemical (cellular factor permeation) environment, as well as mimicking the follicular microenvironment to enhance early in vitro embryonic development and ensure a higher in vitro production rate of bovine embryos. Our system integrates ultrastructural and biochemical features designed to approximate the characteristics of the follicular microenvironment, ultimately leading to the enhancement of early in vitro embryonic development and resulting in improved in vitro production of bovine embryos. Supported by results obtained during the PIPE-Fapesp phase 1, this new technology positively impacted the reduction of degenerated oocytes (P=0.05). Most significantly, a substantial increase of 32% in the embryo production rate was observed compared to the 2D culture group (P=0.04). This significant improvement in embryo production suggests substantial potential to optimize the effectiveness of assisted reproduction procedures. The goal of this proposal is to deepen the understanding of the physiological and scientific fundamentals underlying IVM-3D and to foster the development of this technological innovation. The outcomes generated in this proposal will refine the validation of the NanoUterus.Like system from a commercial viability perspective and explore its plasticity in other reproductive scenarios demonstrated during the PIPE/Entrepreneur training. This will enable new commercial approaches to the system in other species, promoting business development to ensure advances in mammalian reproductive biotechnology during the execution of PIPE-Fapesp phase 2. (AU)