Embryo metabolite analysis and implantation potential prediction using chemiluminescent microfluidic chips with dielectric wetting valves

Analysis of embryo metabolites offers a promising non-invasive strategy for assessing preimplantation developmental potential, yet the limited performance of current sensing platforms restricts physiological insights. Here we report a capillary-driven chemiluminescence microfluidic device equipped with three electrowetting valves, enabling simultaneous, offline quantification of glucose, lactate and pyruvate from as little as 3 μL of spent blastocyst culture medium (SBCM). Using a training set (n = 61) and validation set (n = 108) of human embryo transfers, we systematically recorded morphological development and clinical pregnancy outcomes. Metabolic flux analysis revealed that embryos with higher developmental potential consumed more glucose and pyruvate while producing more lactate. Integration of metabolic and morphological data yielded a predictive model of implantation potential with an area under the curve (AUC) of 92.0%, demonstrating robust performance. This platform establishes a powerful tool for embryo selection and may inform clinical decision-making in assisted reproduction.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Nature Communications
Published
2026-03-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-69999-5
Primary Topic
Electrowetting and Microfluidic Technologies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Embryo metabolite analysis and implantation potential prediction using chemiluminescent microfluidic chips with dielectric wetting valves

Bin Ran, Zhihang Yu, Wenqiang Tong, Feng Xiong et al.
Nature Communications
Electrowetting and Microfluidic Technologies
article

Embryo metabolite analysis and implantation potential prediction using chemiluminescent microfluidic chips with dielectric wetting valves

Bin Ran, Zhihang Yu, Wenqiang Tong, Feng Xiong, Yanan Zhu, Jiaxi Du, Huaying Chen, J. Shi, Qing Sun, Peilin Chen, Huixian Zhong
article en

Abstract

Analysis of embryo metabolites offers a promising non-invasive strategy for assessing preimplantation developmental potential, yet the limited performance of current sensing platforms restricts physiological insights. Here we report a capillary-driven chemiluminescence microfluidic device equipped with three electrowetting valves, enabling simultaneous, offline quantification of glucose, lactate and pyruvate from as little as 3 μL of spent blastocyst culture medium (SBCM). Using a training set (n = 61) and validation set (n = 108) of human embryo transfers, we systematically recorded morphological development and clinical pregnancy outcomes. Metabolic flux analysis revealed that embryos with higher developmental potential consumed more glucose and pyruvate while producing more lactate. Integration of metabolic and morphological data yielded a predictive model of implantation potential with an area under the curve (AUC) of 92.0%, demonstrating robust performance. This platform establishes a powerful tool for embryo selection and may inform clinical decision-making in assisted reproduction.

Nature Communications
Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology (CN), Harbin Institute of Technology (CN), Shenzhen Academy of Robotics (CN), Shenzhen Zhongshan Urological Hospital (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 39%
Electrowetting and Microfluidic Technologies
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.