Study shows new sperm sorting device can select healthier sperm to boost the chances of IVF success
A new study has found an innovative sperm sorting device could boost the chances of IVF success for couples with male fertility problems.
The study, conducted by Melbourne IVF and IVFAustralia, in collaboration with NeoGenix Biosciences, found the device is significantly better at selecting high-quality sperm for IVF than other sperm selection techniques.
Compared with the traditional sperm sorting method that uses a centrifuge, the device results in lower levels of sperm DNA fragmentation, a key contributor to early pregnancy loss.
The small disc-shaped microfluidic device contains hundreds of tiny channels that mimic the complex geometries of the female reproductive tract.
These channels select sperm that are able to traverse corners, boundaries and troughs, just as they would in the female cervix and fallopian tubes.
Quotes attributable to Professor David Gardner, Scientific Director, Melbourne IVF:
“During natural conception, it’s a long journey for the sperm to meet the egg. It’s the equivalent of a human running a marathon with many hurdles along the way, and only a very few sperm make it through to reach the egg.
“By replicating this natural process, the sperm sorter device is a gentler and potentially more fertility preserving method of sperm selection.”
Quotes attributable to Steven Vasilescu, CEO, NeoGenix Biosciences:
“Male infertility is a factor in more than 50% of couples who fail to conceive naturally. In these cases, sperm quality can play a crucial role in determining pregnancy success.
“This device is simple to use and provides a more reliable process for selecting high-quality sperm.”
Results of the study involving 61 men have been published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online, and are available at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1472648324006229.
ENDS
About Virtus Health
Melbourne IVF and IVFAustralia are part of Virtus Health, a world-leading provider of assisted reproductive services with a record of excellence in fertility and IVF research.
About NeoGenix Biosciences
NeoGenix Biosciences is a med-tech startup creating innovative technologies designed to modernise IVF processes and improve patient outcomes.