Factors Affecting Mammalian Embryo Culture: A Detailed Review

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 04 | 01 | Page :
    By

    Sahil Sanghvi,

  • Anagha Rane,

  • Shivangi Sanghvi,

  • Kewal Mishra,

  • Christine O Brien,

  • Cindy M.P. Duke,

  1. Senior Clinical Embryologist, Nevada Fertility Institute, Department of Reproductive Sciences, Las Vegas, Nevada, , USA
  2. Senior Clinical Embryologist, Procreate Fertility Center of Virginia, IVF Department, Chesapeake, Virginia, , USA
  3. 2nd Year PG Scholar, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research Hospital, Dept of Prasooti Tantra Stree Roga, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  4. , Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, , USA
  5. , Nevada Fertility Institute, Department of Reproductive Sciences, Las Vegas, Nevada, , USA
  6. Medical Director, Nevada Fertility Institute, Department of Reproductive Sciences, Las Vegas, Nevada, , USA

Abstract

Human IVF has made remarkable progress, but optimizing the in vitro environment remains essential and crucial for supporting embryo development and improving overall clinical outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Even with advances in complex culture media, incubator design, and laboratory workflows, embryos grown outside the body are still exposed to chemical and physical stressors that can significantly affect their developmental potential. In this review, we discuss key chemical stressors, including oxidative stress caused by elevated oxygen levels, ammonium accumulation from amino acid breakdown, pH instability, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and variability in albumin sources. Physical stressors such as temperature fluctuations, light exposure, mechanical vibration, electrostatic discharge, and electromagnetic fields also influence embryo metabolism, genomic stability, mitochondrial function, and epigenetic programming. Emerging technologies, including low-oxygen incubators, recombinant human albumin, real-time environmental sensors, microfluidic culture systems, advanced optical platforms, and vibration isolated workstations, show promise in reducing these risks. Evidence suggests that interactions between multiple stressors may amplify embryotoxic effects, impacting embryo growth and development. Overall, maintaining physiological culture conditions and minimizing laboratory-induced stress are crucial for supporting embryo development, viability and ensuring the safety and success of ART.

Keywords: Embryo Culture, IVF, Gametes, Sperm, Oocyte, Embryo

How to cite this article:
Sahil Sanghvi, Anagha Rane, Shivangi Sanghvi, Kewal Mishra, Christine O Brien, Cindy M.P. Duke. Factors Affecting Mammalian Embryo Culture: A Detailed Review. International Journal of Cell Biology and Cellular Functions. 2026; 04(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Sahil Sanghvi, Anagha Rane, Shivangi Sanghvi, Kewal Mishra, Christine O Brien, Cindy M.P. Duke. Factors Affecting Mammalian Embryo Culture: A Detailed Review. International Journal of Cell Biology and Cellular Functions. 2026; 04(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijcbcf/article=2026/view=236362


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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 04
01
Received 08/10/2025
Accepted 28/01/2026
Published 29/01/2026
Publication Time 113 Days
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