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Improving ARTs: Microfluidics as a Tool for Sperm Selection
A Pérez-Gómez1,2, A Urriés3, J L de Pablo4
1Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain.
Andrology
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Sperm selection methods are crucial for assisted reproductive technology (ART) success. Advanced microfluidic devices mimic natural processes to select optimal sperm, addressing male infertility challenges.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Biotechnology
- Medical Engineering
Background:
- Sperm quality is vital for successful assisted reproductive technology (ART).
- Natural fertilization involves female reproductive tract barriers that select optimal sperm.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) lack these natural selection mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review physiological sperm selection in the female reproductive tract.
- To examine current ART sperm selection methods and their limitations.
- To explore advanced and microfluidic sperm selection technologies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on sperm selection techniques.
- Analysis of conventional methods: swim-up (SU) and density gradient centrifugation (DGC).
- Evaluation of advanced techniques, including microfluidic devices mimicking in vivo conditions.
Main Results:
- Conventional methods (SU, DGC) have limitations.
- Microfluidic devices offer controlled environments to select sperm based on motility, thermotaxis, chemotaxis, and rheotaxis.
- Numerous studies demonstrate microfluidic devices' potential for selecting higher-quality sperm.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidic technologies show promise for improving sperm selection in ART.
- Rigorous multicenter studies are needed to validate clinical efficacy.
- These technologies could help address rising male infertility rates.
