Overview

• A Barcelona team published in Science Advances the first real-time, three-dimensional recordings of human embryos implanting into a collagen-rich ex vivo uterine mimic using ethically donated embryos.
• High-resolution confocal microscopy and fluorescent markers allowed researchers to track embryonic development and quantify traction forces as embryos burrowed and remodeled the gel.
• Comparative tests revealed that human embryos fully penetrate the collagen matrix, whereas mouse embryos adhere superficially, highlighting species-specific implantation mechanics.
• The platform offers quantitative insights into implantation dynamics and a testing ground for culture conditions or compounds but does not replicate full maternal and immune interactions.
• IBEC’s spin-off Serabiotics is exploring protein supplements with Grifols to enhance implantation rates, though clinical efficacy and in vivo relevance remain to be validated.