{"id":65332,"date":"2018-10-08T12:54:06","date_gmt":"2018-10-08T10:54:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ibecbarcelona.eu\/research-groups\/bioengineering-in-reproductive-health\/"},"modified":"2024-05-16T12:13:06","modified_gmt":"2024-05-16T10:13:06","slug":"bioengineering-in-reproductive-health","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ibecbarcelona.eu\/ca\/industry-and-hospitals\/bioengineering-in-reproductive-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Bioengineering in reproductive health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Samuel Ojosnegros Martos<\/div>\n
Head of Bioengineering in Reproductive Health<\/div>\n
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+34 934 039 775<\/div>\n
sojosnegros@ibecbarcelona.eu<\/a><\/div>\n
Researcher profile<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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ABOUT<\/h2>\n
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Our lab\u2019s focus is on understanding the mechanisms that control mammalian embryo implantation and apply that knowledge to provide solutions that improve human assisted reproduction techniques (ART).<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The embryonic development of humans (and mammals in general) requires the implantation of the embryo into the walls of the maternal uterus. This process is highly inefficient as on average, 25\u201330% of conceptions lead to successful live births and around 60% of all conceptions are lost at the time of (or soon after) implantation. However, despite the central role of implantation in human fertility, the process is still elusive to experimentation because of its inaccessibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To overcome the elusiveness of this process, the group combines imaging and bioengineering methods to efficiently culture and image pre-implantation embryos and allow them to implant outside the uterus in highly physiological conditions.  Our systems are accessible to imaging tools which allow us to interrogate the genetics, metabolomics, and mechanics of the embryo in a high throughput manner. Using our systems, we are capable to (i) improve embryo culture conditions and (ii) diagnose embryos with improved implantation potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Label-free microscopy and multi\/hyperspectral imaging<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Label-free Microscopy<\/strong>: This technique allows for analyzing cells in their native condition, i.e. without being labeled or altered in any way, by means of retrieving cells autofluorescence signals and thus providing essential metabolic information about living tissues. Combined with multispectral methods, we delve deep into the metabolic complexity of embryos and oocytes, revealing insights previously unattainable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hyperspectral Imaging<\/strong>: Our groundbreaking approach employs hyperspectral imaging to obtain the metabolic profiles of embryos and oocytes. This methodology allows us to identify key characteristics at the metabolic level, invisible to conventional techniques like brightfield imaging, offering a unique window into fundamental biological processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hardware Techniques<\/strong>: We have extensive expertise in a variety of advanced microscopy techniques, including two-photon microscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy, spinning disk confocal microscopy and light-sheet microscopy. The integration of these techniques with multi\/hyperspectral detection methods enables us to observe biological samples of interest at cellular level with spectral characteristics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AI and Software Analysis<\/strong>: We employ sophisticated data analysis tools such as spectral histogram analysis and phasor-plot analysis combined with artificial intelligence (AI) methods for classification. These techniques allow us to interpret complex multi\/hyperspectral data and draw meaningful conclusions about the viability and quality of embryos and oocytes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4D (x, y, z, and \u03bb) Hyperspectral Autofluorescent Images of Mouse Oocytes and Blastocysts<\/strong>. The samples were imaged using a Zeiss LSM780 inverted microscope with a C-Apochromat 40x\/1.20 W Korr Zeiss objective. The imaging conditions were maintained at 37\u00b0C and 5% CO2<\/sub>. A Mai-Tai DeepSee laser provided two-photon excitation at a wavelength \u03bbex = 780nm. The emitted autofluorescence spanned from 410 nm to 695 nm and was collected by a 32-channel PMT GaAsP spectral detector. The image captures multiple planes, separated by 2.5\u03bcm and 5\u03bcm steps for oocytes and embryos respectivelly. The pseudo-color representation of the hyperspectral images was achieved using additive blending to integrate the 32 channel colors for each pixel.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Bioengineering to improve embryo implantation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
We have developed proprietary 3D ex vivo<\/em> hydrogel-based implantation platforms which mimic the uterine microenvironment, allowing the embryo to progress towards post-implantation stages in an amenable way for optical microscopy. Working towards obtaining dynamic control of embryo culture, we have integrated our hydrogels in a microfluidic device allowing for controlled nutrient supply, oxygen concentration and long-term embryo culture. Our 3D ex vivo<\/em> hydrogel-based implantation platforms allow for drug screening and determination of its impact on embryo implantation and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We use our 3D ex vivo implantation platform to understand embryo implantation with a focus on the biomechanics of the system. To this means we quantify the displacement of the matrix generated by the embryos using PIV or DVC algorithms. We look at the forces and resulting patterns embryos are applying in order to penetrate the hydrogel and also how external forces affect embryo implantation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Human Embryo implanting on a 3D platform<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Embryo Culture Supplements Development from Human Plasma<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Traditionally, embryo culture relied on Human Serum Albumin (HSA) as a key protein component. However, HSA underrepresents the rich composition of proteins present in human plasma. We work with a new-generation of supplements, which go beyond mere albumin, encompassing essential components such as growth factors and globulins, crucial for fostering optimal embryo development. In our group, we test new supplements to enhance embryo development and implantation. Our clinical grade human-derived supplements improve blastulation and implantation rates both in human and mouse embryos, showing superior lineage segregation and spatial organization compared to control counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Bioengineering in Reproductive Health is the first Open Innovation Lab research unit at IBEC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Due to the high translational component of our research, we have established collaboration contracts with the pharma industry, hospitals, and venture capital to bring our technology to the clinics and the market. Our Open Lab is a multidisciplinary environment where embryologists, cell biologists, optical physicists, biophysicists, and business developers synergize to create a unique environment shaped by science and entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>
STAFF<\/h2>\n
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Casals Sandoval, Marc<\/a> <\/div>
Dhandapani , Laasya<\/a> <\/div>
Fab\u00e0 Costa, Julia<\/a> <\/div>
Ferrer Vaquer, Anna<\/a> <\/div>
Godeau , Am\u00e9lie Luise<\/a> <\/div>
Jebli , Lina<\/a> <\/div>
Massafret Surinyach, Ot<\/a> <\/div>
Ojosnegros Martos, Samuel<\/a> <\/div>
Oliver Vila, Irene<\/a> <\/div>
Parra Guti\u00e9rrez, Laura<\/a> <\/div>
Parra Mart\u00ednez, Albert<\/a> <\/div>
Sadowy , Alexandra<\/a> <\/div>
Seriola Petit, Anna<\/a> <\/div>
Sesma Herrero, Eduardo<\/a> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>
PROJECTS<\/h2>\n
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European Projects<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
HSMe-ImPredict<\/span><\/strong> \u00b7 Development of non-invasive imaging methodology for improving embryo implantation prediction, via hyper-spectral metabolic profiling<\/span> (2022-2024)<\/td>Marie Curie Individual Fellowship<\/span><\/span><\/td>Samuel Ojosnegros<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
National projects<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
HYSPLANT <\/strong>\u00b7 Selecci\u00f3n de embriones para fecundaci\u00f3n in vitro: predicci\u00f3n del \u00e9xito de implantaci\u00f3n mediante clasificaci\u00f3n metab\u00f3lica de embriones (2020-2023)<\/td>MINECO
Retos investigaci\u00f3n: Proyectos I+D<\/td>		Samuel Ojosnegros<\/td><\/tr>
Prediction of implantation success by hyperspectral metabolic profiling of human embryos obtained by in vitro fertilization (2020-2022)<\/td>AGAUR
Beatriu de Pin\u00f3s 2018<\/td>		Samuel Ojosnegros<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Private sector<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Estudio del mecanismo de acci\u00f3n de OXO-001 (2020-2022)<\/td>Oxolife<\/td>Samuel Ojosnegros<\/td><\/tr>
Evaluaci\u00f3n de derivados plasm\u00e1ticos humanos para el cultivo de embriones <\/span>(2019-2021)<\/span><\/td>IVFTECH S.L.<\/span><\/span><\/td>Samuel Ojosnegros<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Evaluaci\u00f3n de derivados plasm\u00e1ticos humanos para el cultivo de c\u00e9lulas mesenquimales y CAR-T (2020-2022)<\/td>IVFTECH S.L.<\/td>Samuel Ojosnegros<\/td><\/tr>
Prediction of implantation success by single-cell transcriptomic profiling of human embryos obtained by in vitro fertilization (2018-2022)<\/td>Scranton Enterprises BV<\/td>Samuel Ojosnegros<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Finished projects<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
HYSPLANT <\/strong>\u00b7 Metabolic profiling of in vitro fertilization embryos using hyspectral imaging (2019-2020)<\/td>European Commission ATTRACT<\/td>Samuel Ojosnegros<\/td><\/tr>
Embryo on a chip: Smart microdevice development for high-throughput screening embryo implantation<\/span><\/span> (2020)<\/td>Tecniospring<\/span> 2020<\/span><\/td>Maria Demestre Viladevall<\/span><\/span><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>
NEWS<\/h2>\n
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 <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n
La setmana passada es va celebrar a Barcelona el MWC26, l’esdeveniment internacional de refer\u00e8ncia en tecnologia i connectivitat. L’Institut de Bioenginyeria de Catalunya ha estat present donant a con\u00e8ixer algunes de les seves empreses derivades i tecnologies biom\u00e8diques capdavanteres: Nanobots Therapeutics, Lumiris Spectral Solutions i Drug4Sight.<\/div><\/a>
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L’IBEC mostra el seu lideratge en innovaci\u00f3 biom\u00e8dica al MWC26 amb tres projectes disruptius<\/a><\/h2> 
La setmana passada es va celebrar a Barcelona el MWC26, l’esdeveniment internacional de refer\u00e8ncia en tecnologia i connectivitat. L’Institut de Bioenginyeria de Catalunya ha estat present donant a con\u00e8ixer algunes de les seves empreses derivades i tecnologies biom\u00e8diques capdavanteres: Nanobots Therapeutics, Lumiris Spectral Solutions i Drug4Sight.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
El BIST Forum 2026 va reunir personal cient\u00edfic i representants d’institucions acad\u00e8miques, econ\u00f2miques i socials per debatre com la recerca d’avantguarda pot contribuir a construir les ind\u00fastries europees del futur. En l’esdeveniment tamb\u00e9 es van donar a con\u00e8ixer els beneficiaris i benefici\u00e0ries dels programes \u00abBIST To the Mothers of Science\u00bb i \u00abIgnite\u00bb.<\/div><\/a>
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El BIST advoca per reformes per convertir els descobriments cient\u00edfics en ind\u00fastria europea<\/a><\/h2> 
El BIST Forum 2026 va reunir personal cient\u00edfic i representants d’institucions acad\u00e8miques, econ\u00f2miques i socials per debatre com la recerca d’avantguarda pot contribuir a construir les ind\u00fastries europees del futur. En l’esdeveniment tamb\u00e9 es van donar a con\u00e8ixer els beneficiaris i benefici\u00e0ries dels programes \u00abBIST To the Mothers of Science\u00bb i \u00abIgnite\u00bb.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
L\u2019IBEC ha obtingut tres ajuts de la convocat\u00f2ria de subvencions del Pla estrat\u00e8gic de recerca i innovaci\u00f3 en salut (PERIS). Els projectes busquen validar una tecnologia hiperespectral per millorar la reproducci\u00f3 assistida, esferoides cel\u00b7lulars bioimpressos per combatre la diabetis de tipus I i f\u00e0rmacs activats amb llum per restaurar la vista en pacients amb degeneraci\u00f3 de la retina.<\/div><\/a>
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L\u2019IBEC aconsegueix finan\u00e7ament competitiu per impulsar les proves de validaci\u00f3 de 3 projectes innovadors en salut<\/a><\/h2> 
L\u2019IBEC ha obtingut tres ajuts de la convocat\u00f2ria de subvencions del Pla estrat\u00e8gic de recerca i innovaci\u00f3 en salut (PERIS). Els projectes busquen validar una tecnologia hiperespectral per millorar la reproducci\u00f3 assistida, esferoides cel\u00b7lulars bioimpressos per combatre la diabetis de tipus I i f\u00e0rmacs activats amb llum per restaurar la vista en pacients amb degeneraci\u00f3 de la retina.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
El 18\u00e8 Simposi anual de l’IBEC es va centrar en ‘Bioenginyeria per a la Medicina de Precisi\u00f3’, una de les \u00e0rees clau d’aplicaci\u00f3 de l’IBEC. Van ser prop de 300 les persones assistents a l’esdeveniment, entre les quals es trobava personal investigador local i internacional. Un ambient multidisciplinari en el qual experts i expertes d’altres centres i la mateixa comunitat de l’IBEC van tenir l’oportunitat de presentar els seus projectes i intercanviar coneixement.<\/div><\/a>
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Bioenginyeria per a la medicina de precisi\u00f3 en el 18\u00e8 Simposi de l’IBEC<\/a><\/h2> 
El 18\u00e8 Simposi anual de l’IBEC es va centrar en ‘Bioenginyeria per a la Medicina de Precisi\u00f3’, una de les \u00e0rees clau d’aplicaci\u00f3 de l’IBEC. Van ser prop de 300 les persones assistents a l’esdeveniment, entre les quals es trobava personal investigador local i internacional. Un ambient multidisciplinari en el qual experts i expertes d’altres centres i la mateixa comunitat de l’IBEC van tenir l’oportunitat de presentar els seus projectes i intercanviar coneixement.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
L’Institut de Bioenginyeria de Catalunya (IBEC) i el Laboratori Europeu de Biologia Molecular (EMBL) han celebrat avui una jornada de “matchmaking”. L’esdeveniment ha reunit investigadors i investigadores destacades d’ambd\u00f3s centres per tal de fomentar la creaci\u00f3 de noves connexions i promoure el di\u00e0leg cient\u00edfic.<\/div><\/a>
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L’IBEC i l’EMBL Barcelona coorganitzen una jornada de col\u00b7laboraci\u00f3 per explorar sinergies<\/a><\/h2> 
L’Institut de Bioenginyeria de Catalunya (IBEC) i el Laboratori Europeu de Biologia Molecular (EMBL) han celebrat avui una jornada de “matchmaking”. L’esdeveniment ha reunit investigadors i investigadores destacades d’ambd\u00f3s centres per tal de fomentar la creaci\u00f3 de noves connexions i promoure el di\u00e0leg cient\u00edfic.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
Un v\u00eddeo fet a Barcelona documenta per primera vegada en un model artificial de matriu la implantaci\u00f3, moment cr\u00edtic i gran desconegut de l’embar\u00e0s hum\u00e0.<\/div><\/a>
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El Peri\u00f3dico: L’assalt de l’embri\u00f3 a l\u00fater, al descobert<\/a><\/h2> 
Un v\u00eddeo fet a Barcelona documenta per primera vegada en un model artificial de matriu la implantaci\u00f3, moment cr\u00edtic i gran desconegut de l’embar\u00e0s hum\u00e0.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
Il momento clou della gestazione \u00e8 stato catturato per la prima volta da alcuni ricercatori dell’Istituto di Bioingegneria della Catalogna. La nuova tecnica potrebbe aiutare gli scienziati a scoprire come prevenire gli aborti spontanei<\/div><\/a>
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Corriere della Sera: Filmato per la prima volta l’impianto d\u2019embrione umano, il \u00abmiracolo della vita\u00bb si mostra in tempo reale<\/a><\/h2> 
Il momento clou della gestazione \u00e8 stato catturato per la prima volta da alcuni ricercatori dell’Istituto di Bioingegneria della Catalogna. La nuova tecnica potrebbe aiutare gli scienziati a scoprire come prevenire gli aborti spontanei<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
\u65b0\u6280\u672f\u6709\u671b\u5e2e\u52a9\u79d1\u5b66\u754c\u63a2\u7d22\u9884\u9632\u6d41\u4ea7\u7684\u65b9\u6cd5\u3002 Read the news.<\/div><\/a>
\"\" <\/div>
QQ.com: \u79d1\u5b66\u5bb6\u9996\u6b21\u5b9e\u65f6\u6355\u6349\u4eba\u7c7b\u80da\u80ce\u7740\u5e8a\u8fc7\u7a0b<\/a><\/h2> 
\u65b0\u6280\u672f\u6709\u671b\u5e2e\u52a9\u79d1\u5b66\u754c\u63a2\u7d22\u9884\u9632\u6d41\u4ea7\u7684\u65b9\u6cd5\u3002 Read the news.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
Imagens in\u00e9ditas revelam como embri\u00f5es humanos invadem o tecido uterino e explica causa comum de infertilidade<\/div><\/a>
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Metr\u00f3poles: V\u00eddeo: registro mostra implanta\u00e7\u00e3o de embri\u00e3o humano pela primeira vez<\/a><\/h2> 
Imagens in\u00e9ditas revelam como embri\u00f5es humanos invadem o tecido uterino e explica causa comum de infertilidade<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
Investigadores espa\u00f1oles crean un sistema en el laboratorio que simula las capas externas del \u00fatero en 3D. \u201cAyudar\u00e1 a mejorar la tasa de fecundaci\u00f3n in vitro\u201d.<\/div><\/a>
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EL MUNDO: Graban por primera vez la implantaci\u00f3n de un embri\u00f3n<\/a><\/h2> 
Investigadores espa\u00f1oles crean un sistema en el laboratorio que simula las capas externas del \u00fatero en 3D. \u201cAyudar\u00e1 a mejorar la tasa de fecundaci\u00f3n in vitro\u201d.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
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1<\/span>\n2<\/a>\n3<\/a>\n4<\/a>\nNext<\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>
JOBS<\/h2>\n
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Ref: RT-SO \/\/ Deadline: 24\/11\/2025<\/div><\/a>
Researcher in Training at the Bioengineering in Reproductive Health Research Group<\/a><\/h2> 
Ref: RT-SO \/\/ Deadline: 24\/11\/2025<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
Ref: SL-SO \/\/ Deadline: 16\/06\/2025<\/div><\/a>
Scientific Liaison at the Bioengineering in Reproductive\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Health Research Group<\/a><\/h2> 
Ref: SL-SO \/\/ Deadline: 16\/06\/2025<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
Ref: PR_SO \/\/ Deadline: 13\/11\/2024<\/div><\/a>
Postdoctoral Researcher at the Bioengineering in Reproductive Health Research Group\/ Unit<\/a><\/h2> 
Ref: PR_SO \/\/ Deadline: 13\/11\/2024<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
Ref: PD-SO\/Deadline: 04\/04\/2024<\/div><\/a>
Embryology Laboratory Technician at the Bioengineering for Reproductive Health Research Group<\/a><\/h2> 
Ref: PD-SO\/Deadline: 04\/04\/2024<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
Ref: PD_SO\/ Deadline: 12\/02\/2024<\/div><\/a>
Open postdoc position on embryology at the Bioengineering in Reproductive Health Research Group<\/a><\/h2> 
Ref: PD_SO\/ Deadline: 12\/02\/2024<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
Ref: RA_SO\/Deadline: 20\/11\/2023<\/div><\/a>
Research Assistant at the Bioengineering for Reproductive Health Research Group<\/a><\/h2> 
Ref: RA_SO\/Deadline: 20\/11\/2023<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
Ref: PD_SO\/\/Deadline: 1\/11\/2023<\/div><\/a>
Postdoc on microscopy at the Bioengineering in Reproductive Health Research Group<\/a><\/h2> 
Ref: PD_SO\/\/Deadline: 1\/11\/2023<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
Ref: PD_SO \/\/ Deadline: 19\/01\/2023<\/div><\/a>
Postdoctoral researcher at the Bioengineering in Reproductive Health Open Lab (Ref: PD_SO)<\/a><\/h2> 
Ref: PD_SO \/\/ Deadline: 19\/01\/2023<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
Ref: LT_SO \/\/ Deadline: 19\/01\/2023<\/div><\/a>
Embryologist at the Bioengineering in Reproductive Health Research Group (Ref: LT_SO)<\/a><\/h2> 
Ref: LT_SO \/\/ Deadline: 19\/01\/2023<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
Reference: LT-SO \/ Until Oct 15th, 2022<\/div><\/a>
Biochemist at the Bioengineering in Reproductive Health Research Group<\/a><\/h2> 
Reference: LT-SO \/ Until Oct 15th, 2022<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
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PUBLICATIONS<\/h2>\n
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S Ojosnegros, A Seriola, AL Godeau, A Veiga (2021) Embryo implantation in the laboratory: an update on current techniques<\/a>. Human Reproduction Update<\/em>, Vol.00, No.0, pp. 1\u201330.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Martin Pl\u00f6schner, Denitza Denkova, Simone De Camillis, Minakshi Das, Lindsay M. Parker, Xianlin Zheng, Yiqing Lu, Samuel Ojosnegros, and James A. Piper (2020) Simultaneous super-linear excitation-emission and emission depletion allows imaging of upconversion nanoparticles with higher sub-diffraction resolution<\/a>. Optics Express 28<\/em> (16), 24308-24326.<\/p>\n\n\n
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