The presence of partial compaction patterns is associated with lower rates of blastocyst formation, sub-optimal morphokinetic parameters and poorer morphologic grade.

Background: Compaction is an important marker of embryonic genome activation and marks a critical step in the development to blastocyst. The objective of our study was to determine whether visualization of the embryonic compaction process through time-lapse imaging (TL) can assist in predicting the kinetics of embryo development as well as the likelihood for blastocyst formation, grade, or ploidy.

Methods: This study is a retrospective review of prospectively collected datafrom a single academic institution.

New hyaluronan-based biomatrix for 3-D follicle culture yields functionally competent oocytes.

Background: Encapsulation of follicles within a biomatrix is one approach to maintaining 3-D follicle architecture during culture. Hyaluronan is one component of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) that provides support to cells in vivo. This report describes the application of a novel tyramine-linked hyaluronan for 3-D in vitro follicle culture and the production of developmentally competent metaphase II oocytes.