Project title
Cell-based replacement for IVF media validation and development to replace the use of mouse embryos in quality control and product research and development.
Profile summary
I started my PhD at Canterbury Christ Church University in February 2018 under the supervision of Dr. Katie Fowler and Professor Simon Harvey, having previously worked as a Clinical Scientist in various IVF labs. I also have and BSc. in Biological Sciences from the University of Liverpool and an MSc. in Clinical Embryology from the University of Oxford.
My research which is funded by Genea Biomedx aims to develop a suitable cell-based alternative to the widely-used mouse embryo assay, for detecting toxicity in media used in IVF. Although acknowledged in the industry as the gold standard of quality control, there are concerns over its inability to determine subtle changes in media conditions, and also variability in sensitivity seen in different strains of mice. In addition to providing a solution to these setbacks, my research aims to reduce the use of animals in research whilst developing a robust and cost effective assay that is comparable to the processes involved in running a mouse embryo assay.
Publication
Adjirackor, N. A., Harvey, K. E. & Harvey, S. C. Eukaryotic response to hypothermia in relation to integrated stress responses. Cell Stress Chaperones (2020). doi:10.1007/s12192-020-01135-8