ERI: Understanding the Fallopian Tube's Shape and Physical Environment to Improve Embryo Culture for Fertility Treatment

NSF Award Search · 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $200,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This Engineering Research Initiation (ERI) project investigates how the fallopian tube provides the physical environment that supports fertilization and the earliest stages of embryo development. Although embryo culture has improved through advances in chemical conditions, much less is known about the shape and mechanical behavior of the healthy Fallopian tube, even though that environment guides transport, contact, and early development. As a result, widely used culture surfaces remain far simpler and far stiffer than living tissue. By establishing a rigorous foundation for this missing area of knowledge, the project will advance basic science while also informing use-inspired progress in reproductive health and biotechnology. The work aligns with National Science Foundation priorities by promoting the progress of science, advancing national health and welfare, and strengthening the science and engineering enterprise through open data, reusable models, and hands-on research training. In the long term, the results could support improved embryo culture, reduce repeated treatment cycles, and lessen the emotional and financial burden of infertility care. The project will also create research opportunities for undergraduate students and will share data and teaching materials that can be used by researchers, educators, and students across the nation. This ERI project has two integrated aims. First, it will process nine human Fallopian tube micro computed tomography datasets to create the first quantitative atlas and model-ready three-dimensional reconstructions of the inner passage of the Fallopian tube. These reconstructions will measure path tortuosity, cross sectional size and shape, minimum inscribed radius, and fold architecture across major anatomical regions. Second, it will use spherical probe atomic force microscopy on mouse oviduct tissue to measure time dependent and frequency dependent mechanical behavior at cellular depths, including elastic, viscoelastic

Key facts

NSF award ID
2553055
Awardee
San Francisco State University (CA)
SAM.gov UEI
F4SLJ5WF59F6
PI
Mojtaba Azadi Sohi
Primary program
01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
BIOMECHANICS, MB-Mechanobiology, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, RESEARCH INITIATION AWARD
Estimated total
$200,000
Funds obligated
$200,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
07/01/2026 → 06/30/2028