# Studies on the Possibility of Introducing New Materials into Reproductive Biotechnology and a New Type of Catheter for Embryo Transfer

## TL;DR

This study explores new biomaterials for embryo transfer catheters in animal reproduction, finding that polyethylene and polyurethane are safe and effective.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is the first evaluation of seven biomaterials for embryo transfer catheters in animal reproduction, identifying polyethylene and polyurethane as suitable.

## Key findings

- Only polyethylene and polyurethane showed high biocompatibility and suitable material properties for embryo transfer catheters.
- Polytetrafluoroethylene, polycaprolactone, and PLLA/DBC exhibited significant toxicity to embryos.
- Catheters made from polyethylene and polyurethane were effective in clinical embryo transfer in sows.

## Abstract

Reproductive biotechnology has advanced in recent years, but embryo transfer has not advanced as much; methods and catheters from 30 years ago are still being used. Therefore, an attempt was made to introduce innovative catheters made of new, previously unused biomaterials. This study investigated the possibility of introducing new, previously unused materials into reproduction and the development of catheters for embryo transplantation. Seven biomaterials used in surgery with confirmed potential for use in human and veterinary medicine were tested. Comprehensive testing of these materials was conducted, assessing their biocompatibility with respect to somatic cells and embryos, and conducting biomaterial studies. Biomaterial testing identified materials with appropriate properties, including strength, elasticity, extensibility, and surface structure. Of the seven biomaterials tested, only polyethylene and polyurethane demonstrated high biocompatibility and the aforementioned material properties. Therefore, there are good grounds for implementing these catheters for embryo transfer in animal reproductive biotechnology.

The use of seven biomaterials was examined in the study: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), teflon (PTFE), polycaprolactone (PCL), polylactide (PLLA), and a copolymer of poly L-lactide and dibutyryl chitin (PLLA/DBC). The use of these materials has not been discussed in the context of animal reproduction so far. Due to the specific nature of the reproductive system and the high sensitivity of reproductive cells, at the outset the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of the materials were tested in somatic cell and embryo cultures. Additionally, the material properties of the catheters were determined in terms of the roughness of the internal and external surfaces, the stability of the shape of the catheters, their elasticity, durability, and ductility. Finally, clinical testing of the developed catheters was performed in laparoscopic transplantation of embryos into the uterine tubes of the sows. Significant toxicity of PTFE, PCL and PLLA/DBC towards the embryos was indicated in the cytotoxicity testing. In the materials testing, numerous flaws of the PP, PLLA, and PLLA/DBC catheters were indicated. In the final stage, catheters were developed using PE and PU. In clinical testing, these latter catheters exhibited high effectiveness in transferring embryos. Among the seven biomaterials tested, only polyethylene and polyurethane exhibited high biocompatibility and the material properties mentioned above. There is thus good indication for the introduction of these catheters for embryo transfer in animal reproduction biotechnology.