A comparison between the Felix™ electrophoretic system of sperm isolation and conventional density gradient centrifugation: a multicentre analysis

Shapouri, F; Mahendran, Tara; Govindarajan, Mirudhubashini; Xie, Philip; Kocur, Olena M.; Palermo, Gianpiero D.; Bakos, Hassan W.; Ahlström, Aisling; Caisander, Gunilla; Xu, Bo; Bai, Shun; Lambourne, Sarah R.; Aitken, R. John

doi:10.1007/s10815-022-02680-0

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 36 publications

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“…Whilst the yield was lower with the Felix™ device, the recovered spermatozoa presented with a significantly improved DNA integrity relative to density gradient centrifugation. More importantly, the preparation time and workflow were significantly reduced with microelectrophoresis which may be a highly welcome asset in clinical andrology [ 179 ].…”

Section: Microfluidics and Microelectrophoresismentioning

confidence: 99%

Strategies for Bacterial Eradication from Human and Animal Semen Samples: Current Options and Future Alternatives

Ďuračka

Benko

Chňapek

et al. 2023

Sensors

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The primary role of semen processing and preservation is to maintain a high proportion of structurally and functionally competent and mature spermatozoa, that may be used for the purposes of artificial reproduction when needed, whilst minimizing any potential causes of sperm deterioration during ex vivo semen handling. Out of a multitude of variables determining the success of sperm preservation, bacterial contamination has been acknowledged with an increased interest because of its often unpredictable and complex effects on semen quality. Whilst antibiotics are usually the most straight-forward option to prevent the bacterial contamination of semen, antimicrobial resistance has become a serious threat requiring widespread attention. As such, besides discussing the consequences of bacteriospermia on the sperm vitality and the risks of antibiotic overuse in andrology, this paper summarizes the currently available evidence on alternative strategies to prevent bacterial contamination of semen prior to, during, and following sperm processing, selection, and preservation. Alternative antibacterial supplements are reviewed, and emphasis is given to modern methods of sperm selection that may be combined by the physical removal of bacteria prior to sperm preservation or by use in assisted reproductive technologies.

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Section: Microfluidics and Microelectrophoresismentioning

confidence: 99%

Strategies for Bacterial Eradication from Human and Animal Semen Samples: Current Options and Future Alternatives

Ďuračka

Benko

Chňapek

et al. 2023

Sensors

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Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is still the best management of male factor infertility

Xie,

Cheung,

Kocur

et al. 2024

Fertility and Sterility

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One-step warming of vitrified human cleavage and blastocyst stage embryos does not adversely impact embryo survivability and subsequent developmental potential

Shioya,

Hashizume,

Okabe-Kinoshita

et al. 2024

Human Reproduction

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STUDY QUESTION Does one-step warming (OW), a simplified embryo warming protocol, adversely affect survival and developmental potential in vitrified cleavage or blastocyst stage embryos compared to standard multi-step warming (SW)? SUMMARY ANSWER OW showed no detrimental effects on survival and developmental potential compared to SW in cleavage and blastocyst stage embryos. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY While standard embryo warming protocols involve a multi-step procedure using a stepwise osmotic solution to avoid a rapid influx of water into the embryo, recent studies suggest that eliminating the stepwise warming process does not reduce embryo survival and embryo transfer outcomes. However, previous reports have focused primarily on pregnancy rates, and a more detailed analysis of the effects of rapid osmotic pressure changes on embryos is necessary to standardize the protocol. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This preliminary study includes donated 377 vitrified human embryos (177 cleavage and 200 blastocyst stage) from 210 patients approved for discard at the patient’s consent. The embryos were randomly allocated and warmed using either SW or OW protocols. In the SW protocol, embryos were rinsed with a stepwise osmotic solution (thawing, dilution, and washing solutions), and the process was completed with a 13-min warming period. In the OW protocol, embryos were only rinsed in a single solution (thawing solution) for 1 min. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Post-warming embryos were cultured using a time-lapse incubator. Survival rate and developmental potential, including the occurrence of abnormal morphokinetics and the time required for blastocyst formation after warming of cleavage stage embryos, were compared between SW and OW. Embryos that developed into the blastocyst stage were morphologically evaluated. In the warming of blastocyst stage embryos, the survival rate was determined by the presence of blastocoel expansion, and the proportion of full re-expanded blastocysts was observed at 3- and 24-h post-warming. An in vitro adhesion assay was also performed on blastocysts after culture, and adhesion rate and outgrowth area were measured 24, 48, and 72 h after culture with fibronectin-precoated dishes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE OW did not negatively impact survival rates in either cleavage (100% in both OW and SW groups) or blastocyst stage embryos (99% in both groups). Cleavage stage embryos warmed by OW had superior or comparable rates of morulation (96 vs 85%, P = 0.0387), blastulation (78 vs 73%, P = 0.4044), full-blastocyst formation (60 vs 53%, P = 0.3196), and expanded-blastocyst formation (56 vs 49%, P = 0.4056) compared to those warmed by SW. Time-lapse monitoring analysis revealed that the frequency of collapses was reduced in OW (30 vs 50%, P = 0.0410). Additionally, all other abnormal morphokinetics were equivalent between OW and SW (P > 0.05); moreover, the time required for blastocyst formation (P > 0.05) and the morphological quality after development into the blastocyst stage (P > 0.05) were not significantly different between OW and SW. In warming of blastocyst stage embryos, the time required for full re-expansion was longer with OW (3.20 ± 3.03 h vs 2.14 ± 2.17 h, P = 0.0008), but there was no significant difference in the proportion of full re-expanded blastocysts at 3- (67 vs 75%, P = 0.2417) and 24-h (98 vs 97%, P = 1.0000) post-warming. The in vitro adhesion assay showed no significant differences in adhesion rate and outgrowth area at all observation points (P > 0.05). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was carried out as a preliminary trial using discarded embryos, which limited the number of embryos analyzed. Additionally, the impact on embryo transfer outcomes, such as clinical pregnancy and livebirth rates, remains unclear. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings suggest that OW is a safe and efficient alternative to SW protocols and may improve the efficiency of IVF laboratory workflow without impairing embryo potentials. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No funding was obtained for this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare related to this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.

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A comparison between the Felix™ electrophoretic system of sperm isolation and conventional density gradient centrifugation: a multicentre analysis

Cited by 5 publications

References 36 publications

Strategies for Bacterial Eradication from Human and Animal Semen Samples: Current Options and Future Alternatives

Strategies for Bacterial Eradication from Human and Animal Semen Samples: Current Options and Future Alternatives

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is still the best management of male factor infertility

One-step warming of vitrified human cleavage and blastocyst stage embryos does not adversely impact embryo survivability and subsequent developmental potential

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