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A microfluidic sperm-sorting device reduces the proportion of sperm with double-stranded DNA fragmentation
A Pujol1, A García-Peiró2, J Ribas-Maynou2
1Centro de Infertilidad y Reproducción Humana (CIRH)-Eugin Group, Plaça Eguilaz 14, Barcelona 08017, Spain.
Zygote (Cambridge, England)
|July 27, 2021
Summary
The FertileChip® device significantly reduces sperm DNA fragmentation, improving outcomes for patients undergoing ICSI. This microfluidic technology offers a promising solution for male infertility and recurrent miscarriage cases.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Sperm Biology
- Assisted Reproductive Technology
Background:
- Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), affecting single (ssSDF) or double (dsSDF) strands, is linked to infertility and miscarriage.
- Conventional sperm selection methods like centrifugation may induce or exacerbate SDF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the microfluidic FertileChip® (now ZyMot®ICSI) in reducing double-strand sperm DNA fragmentation (dsSDF).
- To assess the clinical outcomes of ICSI cycles using sperm selected by FertileChip® in patients with high dsSDF.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study split semen samples from nine patients with high dsSDF into three groups: unprocessed, FertileChip® processed, and swim-up processed.
- Semen samples were analyzed for dsSDF using neutral COMET assay.
- A subsequent clinical analysis involved 163 ICSI cycles using FertileChip®-selected sperm.
Main Results:
- FertileChip® processing reduced dsSDF by 46% compared to fresh ejaculate and swim-up (34.9% vs. 65%).
- In clinical ICSI cycles, fertilization rates were 75.41%.
- First transfer pregnancy rates included 37.8% clinical and 28.8% live birth.
- Cumulative live birth rates reached 42% after up to three embryo transfers.
Conclusions:
- FertileChip® effectively diminishes dsSDF in sperm samples.
- The device demonstrates applicability in ICSI cycles for patients with high dsSDF, yielding favorable laboratory and clinical results.
- Microfluidic sperm selection offers a valuable tool for improving fertility outcomes in challenging cases.
