Traceability of human sperm samples by direct tagging with polysilicon microbarcodes

Abstract

The increasing number of patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments and of cycles performed in fertility centres has led to some traceability errors. Although the incidence of mismatching errors is extremely low, any error is unacceptable, therefore different strategies have been developed to further minimize these errors, such as manual double-witnessing or electronic witnessing systems. More recently, our group developed a direct tagging method consisting of attaching microbarcodes directly to the zona pellucida of human oocytes/embryos. Here, this method is taken a step further by using these microbarcodes to tag human semen samples, demonstrating that the barcodes are not toxic and do not interfere in the selection of motile spermatozoa nor in the cryopreservation of the sperm samples. In addition, when this tagging system was applied to an animal model (rabbit), pregnancy rate and kitten viability were not affected.

Traceability Management of Systemsof Systems: A Systematic Reviewin the Assisted Reproduction Domain

“…Usefulness of a quality system in reproduction [24] A novel embryo identification system by direct tagging of mouse embryos using silicon-based barcodes [25] Direct embryo tagging and identification system by attachment of biofunctionalized polysilicon barcodes to the zona pellucida of mouse embryos [26] Barcode tagging of human oocytes and embryos to prevent mix-ups in assisted reproduction technologies [27] Traceability of human sperm samples by direct tagging with polysilicon microbarcodes [28] Failure mode and effects analysis of witnessing protocols for ensuring traceability during IVF [29] Revised guidelines for good practices in IVF laboratories [30] Application of failure mode and effect analysis in an assisted reproduction technology laboratory [31] Failure mode an affects analysis of witnessing protocols of ensuring traceability during PGD/PGS cycles [32] Electronic witness system in IVF-patients perspective [33] Quality management in the IVF laboratory: Witnessing [34] Comprehensive protocol of traceability during IVF: The result of a multicentre failure mode and effect analysis [35] Different barcodes codification for embryo microlabeling [36] Development of a security system for assisted reproductive technology (ART) [37] Measuring human error in the IVF laboratory using an electronic witnessing system [38]…”

The Use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Track and Trace Technology in Reducing the Risks and Cost of Sperm Cryopreservation

“…Witnessing systems were introduced into the ART services to reduce or prevent the occurrence of mismatching, and could either be manual, electronic or the combination of both. Also two major types of the electronic witnessing system (EWS) are currently in use namely the barcode and the RFID tag systems, and they have the potential to replace manual witnessing [7].…”

“…It is important to note that notwithstanding the documented limitations of the manual system, the electronic system is not safe-proof, and thus the HFEA has recommended all clinics using the electronic system to still maintain the manual system of labelling as a contingency plan should a system breakdown occur with the electronic system [7]. Although the safety of electromagnetic waves of RFID has been documented, many publications however stated that exposure to such waves alters embryonic and foetal development [9].…”

Membrane reorganization after photochemical internalization to release transferrin-biofunctionalized polystyrene microparticles

“…The therapeutic effects of many drugs are limited due to several reasons, being the inefficient targeting to the desired cells and the trapping of the drug inside the endolysosomal compartment two of the most important 1 , 2 . Different drug carriers have been developed to direct the drugs to the target cells, such as monoclonal antibodies against specific molecules expressed only in the target cells 3 , low-density lipoproteins that interact with plasma membrane receptors 4 or nano- and microparticles that can carry targeting molecules 5 , 6 as well as integrating other functions, such as biosensing 7 , cell-tagging and tracking 7 – 10 , or drug delivery 11 – 14 .…”