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Microfluidic chip as a promising evaluation method in assisted reproduction: A systematic review
Tong Wu1,2,3, Yangyang Wu4, Jinfeng Yan1,2,3,5
1National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China.
Bioengineering & Translational Medicine
|March 4, 2024
Summary
Microfluidic chips offer precise, objective evaluation for assisted reproductive technology (ART), improving sperm, oocyte, and embryo selection. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm safety and efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART) aims for successful pregnancy through high-quality gamete and embryo selection.
- Current functional evaluations in ART face challenges due to operator variability.
- Microfluidic chips offer miniaturized, controlled, and flexible platforms for biological sample analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and prospect detection strategies using microfluidics in the ART field.
- To identify trends in materials, fabrication methods, and applications of microfluidic chips in ART research.
- To assess the potential of microfluidic technology to enhance ART procedures.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search conducted across major scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore) until March 2023.
- Full-text screening of identified studies to determine eligibility for inclusion.
- Classification of eligible studies based on sample type (sperm, oocytes, embryos) and assessment content.
Main Results:
- 71 studies were included, with human and mouse studies comprising 31.5% each.
- The USA was the leading country in publications (n=13).
- Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and soft lithography were the most common material (n=49) and fabrication method (n=28), respectively.
- Studies focused on sperm (n=38), oocytes (n=20), and embryos (n=13), assessing parameters like motility, counting, mechanics, and metabolism.
- Microfluidic applications covered motility, counting, mechanics, permeability, impedance, secretion, oxygen consumption, and metabolism.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidic chip technology significantly enhances the efficiency, accuracy, and objectivity of ART evaluations.
- Integration with artificial intelligence can further support embryologists' daily tasks.
- Further well-designed clinical studies and affordable integrated microfluidic chips are essential to validate safety, efficacy, and reproducibility.
