Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation
Published on: November 29, 2018
Microfluidic sperm selection versus density gradient centrifugation in ICSI cycles with abnormal semen parameters: a
Chatsaran Thanapongpibul1,2, Pornsri Niransuk1, Supitcha Sassanarakkit2
1Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Abstract:
Microfluidic sperm selection (MSS) is a centrifugation-free alternative to density gradient centrifugation (DGC) for sperm preparation in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This prospective, randomized sibling-oocyte study included 55 ICSI cycles from 55 couples treated between February 2025 and February 2026. Eligible couples had abnormal semen parameters according to World Health Organization 2021 criteria. Within each cycle, sibling metaphase II oocytes were randomly allocated to ICSI using sperm prepared by MSS or DGC. The primary outcome was blastocyst formation per two-pronuclear embryo (2PN). Secondary outcomes included fertilization, cleavage, good-quality blastocyst rate, and euploidy rate. Embryo-level outcomes were analyzed using a mixed-effects binomial regression model. MSS was associated with a higher fertilization rate than DGC (82.3% vs. 74.7%; OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.07-2.39; p = 0.022). Cleavage, blastocyst formation (61.8% vs. 65.2%; p = 0.494), and good-quality blastocyst rates were similar between groups. Among 47 cycles undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, euploidy rates per biopsied blastocyst did not differ significantly between the MSS and DGC groups. Overall, MSS was associated with higher fertilization, while subsequent embryologic outcomes were comparable between groups.
Insights
Microfluidic sperm selection (MSS) offers a centrifugation-free method for sperm preparation in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This study found MSS improved fertilization rates compared to density gradient centrifugation (DGC), with similar subsequent embryo development.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- In Vitro Fertilization
- Sperm Preparation Techniques
Background:
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) requires efficient sperm preparation.
- Density gradient centrifugation (DGC) is a common but centrifugation-based method.
- Microfluidic sperm selection (MSS) presents a novel, centrifugation-free alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of MSS versus DGC for sperm preparation in ICSI cycles.
- To evaluate the impact of sperm preparation method on fertilization and embryo development outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, randomized sibling-oocyte study involving 55 ICSI cycles.
- Sperm were prepared using either MSS or DGC.
- Sibling oocytes were allocated to ICSI with sperm from each method.
- Outcomes included fertilization, cleavage, blastocyst formation, and euploidy rates.
Main Results:
- MSS demonstrated a significantly higher fertilization rate compared to DGC (82.3% vs. 74.7%).
- Cleavage, blastocyst formation, and good-quality blastocyst rates were comparable between MSS and DGC.
- Euploidy rates did not differ significantly between the two sperm preparation methods.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidic sperm selection (MSS) is associated with improved fertilization rates in ICSI.
- Subsequent embryo development and euploidy rates are similar between MSS and DGC.
- MSS is a viable centrifugation-free alternative for sperm preparation in assisted reproductive technologies.
