Application of microfluidic technologies to human assisted reproduction

Area of Science:

• Microfluidics
• Reproductive Biology
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

Background:

• Microfluidics involves fluid behavior at the sub-microliter level, impacting cell biology, genetics, and medicine.
• Mechanical and biochemical properties of microfluidics are relevant to mammalian gamete and preimplantation embryo studies.
• Microfluidics shows potential for improving assisted reproductive technologies (ART) across various species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential applications of microfluidics in mammalian assisted reproduction.
• To identify areas within the ART laboratory process that could benefit from microfluidic improvements.
• To highlight the current limitations and future research needs for human ART.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing data on microfluidic applications in mammalian gamete and embryo biology.
• Analysis of microfluidic techniques for sperm and oocyte isolation, manipulation, and insemination.
• Examination of microfluidic roles in embryo culture, analysis, and cryopreservation.

Main Results:

• Microfluidics can assist in basic biological studies of sperm, oocytes, and embryos.
• Potential microfluidic applications span numerous ART procedures, including sperm/oocyte handling and embryo culture.
• Significant data gaps exist for human gametes and embryos, hindering clinical translation.

Conclusions:

• Microfluidics presents promising mechanical and biochemical characteristics for advancing mammalian ART.
• Further research and clinical trials involving human gametes and embryos are essential for evidence-based implementation.
• Microfluidics holds the potential to optimize sequential steps in human ART laboratory processes.