Currently, many types of research are about the toxicity of nanoparticle (NP) on embryonic development considering NP’s various applications such as NP-containing products. NPs can possibly be released into the environment, interact with the human body, and even has the possibility to penetrate the reproductive system. Thus, this presented study aims to investigate the effect of nanoparticle (NP) on the developing embryo. By employing Raman Spectroscopy, this study will propose a method to evaluate the embryo quality before and after interaction with amine-functionalized nanodiamond (NDA).

Spectroscopic analysis using Raman spectroscopy is presented as an additional method of estimation of the embryo by determining the embryo quality based on molecular information obtained which is non-invasive and under safe parameters for the live embryo. The Raman spectra of the embryo blastomeres have been measured using 785 nm NIR and 532 nm excitation wavelengths.

Acknowledgments ..... i
Abstract ..... ii
Table of Contents ..... iii
Index of Figures ..... iv
Tables ..... vi
Chapter 1: Introduction .... 1
1.1 Raman Spectroscopy for Embryo Quality Assessment ..... 1
1.2 Cytochrome c..... 2
1.3 Nanotoxicity in embryonic system ..... 3
1.4 Nanodiamond ..... 4
1.1 Research Motivation ..... 5
Chapter 2: Methodology ..... 7
2.1 Preparation of nanoparticle ..... 7
2.1.1 Preparation for FTIR measurement ..... 7
2.1.2 Preparation for particle size measurement ..... 7
2.2 Preparation and treatment of embryos and methods of investigation ..... 7
2.2.1 Animals ..... 7
2.2.2 Preparation of embryos ..... 8
2.2.3 Nanoparticle Interaction ..... 8
2.2.4 Statistical Analysis ..... 9
2.2.5 Raman Measurement ..... 10
Chapter 3: Results and Discussions ..... 11
3.1 Nanoparticle characterization ..... 11
3.2 Influence of nanoparticles on pre-implantation embryos..... 13
3.3 Raman Spectroscopy ..... 16
Chapter 4: Conclusion ..... 31
References ..... 33
Appendix A: Imaging nanoparticle distribution in the embryo.... 39

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