The influence of the female reproductive tract and sperm features on the design of microfluidic sperm-sorting devices

Ahmadkhani, Nima; Hosseini, Mahshid; Saadatmand, Maryam; Abbaspourrad, Alireza

doi:10.1007/s10815-021-02377-w

Cited by 9 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 128 publications

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“…Because the percentage of sperm that were selected by the system was greater in frozen–thawed semen with better fertility, it is tempting to speculate that microfluid selection devices may indeed simulate selection criteria also active in the female genital tract as has been suggested (Ahmadkhani et al, 2022; Asghar et al, 2014). Several studies show that microfluidics is ideal to re‐create the anatomy of the female genital tract, which is fundamental not only to select sperm with the best quality characteristics, but also to ensure the physiological development of the embryo (Ma et al, 2011).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Selection of frozen–thawed stallion semen by microfluidic technology

Vigolo

Gautier

Falomo

et al. 2022

Reprod Domestic Animals

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The ideal sperm sorting technique should be rapid, cheap and easy to use. It should allow for isolation of sperm with high velocity, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and morphological defects as well as the percentage of sperm with fragmented DNA (Asghar et al., 2014). Because centrifugation will increase the exposure of motile spermatozoa to ROS, this processing step should be avoided (Len et al., 2020). Swim-up and density gradient centrifugation are conventional sperm sorting techniques routinely used in artificial reproduction technologies (ART) because they meet many of these requirements. Both these techniques, however, include a

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Selection of frozen–thawed stallion semen by microfluidic technology

Vigolo

Gautier

Falomo

et al. 2022

Reprod Domestic Animals

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“…Although some studies support the superiority of one technique, a Cochrane review reported insufficient evidence to recommend any specific technique over the other in the setting of IUI specifically [39,40]. There are also concerns that these methods are time consuming and do not account for the natural barriers of sperm within the female reproductive tract [36 ▪ ].…”

Section: Sperm Processingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The ideal sperm selection technique is a rapid, labor nonintensive and cost-effective process that isolates the highest concentration of functionally and morphologically normal sperm with minimal SDF [35]. The quantity and quality of the sperm determines the fertility method: IUI ideally requires >5 million motile sperm, IVF requires at least 5000–25 000 sperm and ICSI relies on a single sperm [36 ▪ ,37,38 ▪▪ ].…”

Section: Sperm Processingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evolution of the basic semen analysis and processing sperm

Schardein

Fendereski

Hotaling

2022

Current Opinion in Urology

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Purpose of reviewThe sixth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen was recently published with specific step-by-step instructions for semen evaluation and sperm processing. Point-of-care (POC) testing for semen evaluation and microfluidics for sperm processing are rapidly evolving technologies that could impact how we evaluate and process sperm. Understanding the updated manual in the context of these novel technologies is important.Recent findingsProper standardization of semen evaluation and sperm processing will allow for consistent high-quality results among laboratories worldwide. POC testing could improve access to semen evaluations that generate referrals to male infertility specialists for further assessment. Microfluidics can select functional sperm with decreased DNA fragmentation in semen and testicular biopsy samples for assisted reproductive technology (ART). Clinical outcomes, such as pregnancy rates and live birth rates, have not been shown to be consistently improved with these technologies compared to conventional techniques, although high level evidence research in this area is limited.SummaryPOC testing and microfluidics have the potential to be combined with machine learning technologies to improve fertility care. If these technologies are appropriately optimized, they could change how we evaluate and process sperm, and potentially lead to improved ART outcomes.

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“…Microfluidics encompasses the study of the behavior and methods for manipulation of liquids in microstructured devices as well as their fabrication [34]. With its advancement, novel solutions for the on-chip manipulation of gametes and embryos were proposed and extensively reviewed in recent years [35][36][37][38]. Furthermore, microdevices which utilize electric phenomena, such as dielectrophoresis (DEP) and electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) are being progressively recognized as promising tools in mammalian ARTs [41].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of a Microfluidic Chip Powered by EWOD for <em>In Vitro</em> Manipulation of Bovine Embryos

Karcz¹,

Soom²,

Smits³

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Digital microfluidics (DMF) holds great potential for the alleviation of laboratory procedures in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) provides dynamic culture conditions in vitro that may better mimic the natural embryo microenvironment. Thus far, EWOD microdevices have been proposed for in vitro gamete and embryo handling in mice and for analyzing the human embryo secretome. This article presents the development of the first microfluidic chip utilizing EWOD technology designed for the manipulation of bovine embryos in vitro. The prototype sustains the cell cycles of embryos manipulated individually on the chips during in vitro culture (IVC). Challenges related to the chip fabrication as well as to its application during bovine embryo IVC in accordance with the adapted on-chip protocol are thoroughly discussed, and future directions for DMF in ARTs are indicated.

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The influence of the female reproductive tract and sperm features on the design of microfluidic sperm-sorting devices

Cited by 9 publications

References 128 publications

Selection of frozen–thawed stallion semen by microfluidic technology

Selection of frozen–thawed stallion semen by microfluidic technology

Evolution of the basic semen analysis and processing sperm

Development of a Microfluidic Chip Powered by EWOD for <em>In Vitro</em> Manipulation of Bovine Embryos

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