Microfluidics as an emerging paradigm for assisted reproductive technology: A sperm separation perspective
Mohammadjavad Bouloorchi Tabalvandani1, Zahra Saeidpour1, Zahra Habibi1
1MEMS Lab, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, 1439957131, Iran.
Biomedical Microdevices
|April 23, 2024
Summary
Microfluidics offers innovative solutions for infertility, improving sperm analysis and separation. These advanced techniques provide a more accessible and efficient approach to assisted reproductive technologies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Reproductive Science
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Infertility affects millions globally, with conventional assisted reproductive technologies (ART) facing challenges like high costs and process variability.
- Microfluidics technology, utilizing low-volume sample manipulation, presents a promising alternative for infertility diagnosis and treatment.
- The benefits of microfluidics include precise cell manipulation, automation, repeatability, and enhanced biocompatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of microfluidic applications in assisted reproduction, focusing on sperm separation and analysis.
- To categorize and discuss various microfluidic techniques for sperm separation, including natural and non-natural methods.
- To highlight recent advancements in microfluidic-based in-vitro fertilization (IVF)-on-a-chip technologies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on microfluidic devices and techniques for sperm separation and analysis.
- Categorization of sperm separation methods into natural (e.g., utilizing inherent cell properties) and non-natural (e.g., external forces or structures) approaches.
- Discussion of microfluidic platforms for sperm sorting, motility assessment, and DNA integrity analysis.
Main Results:
- Microfluidic devices enable efficient and high-purity sperm separation and detailed analysis.
- Various microfluidic strategies, from passive to active methods, demonstrate effectiveness in isolating motile and viable sperm.
- Emerging microfluidic platforms are facilitating advancements in on-chip fertilization, potentially streamlining IVF procedures.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidics significantly enhances the efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of sperm separation and analysis in assisted reproduction.
- The integration of microfluidics into ART offers a scalable and cost-effective solution to address global infertility challenges.
- Continued development in microfluidic technology holds substantial promise for revolutionizing reproductive medicine and improving patient outcomes.
