Modeling human embryo adhesion using a microfluidic platform.

Abstract

Embryo adhesion represents a critical step of implantation, yet understanding this process has been hindered by the lack of human in vitro platforms that replicate endometrial physiology. Here, we present a dual-channel microfluidic platform containing organoid-derived endometrial epithelium and primary stromal cells. Our model recapitulates important endometrial hallmarks including epithelial polarization, stromal decidualization, extracellular vesicle release, and hormone-induced receptivity. We validated the model using mouse embryos and human blastocysts, where we showed that embryos displayed features of initial adhesion. These included establishment of embryo-epithelial contacts initiated via the polar trophectoderm, inner cell mass repositioning, and lineage reorganization. Moreover, human embryos secreted βhCG indicating a functional trophoblast. Thus, this work provides a platform to study key features of embryo adhesion and endometrial receptivity and disorders affecting embryo-endometrium interactions.