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Jahangiri AR, Ziarati N, Dadkhah E, Bucak MN, Rahimizadeh P, Shahverdi A, Sadighi Gilani MA, Topraggaleh TR. Microfluidics: The future of sperm selection in assisted reproduction. Andrology 2024; 12:1236-1252. [PMID: 38148634 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obtaining functional sperm cells is the first step to treat infertility. With the ever-increasing trend in male infertility, clinicians require access to effective solutions that are able to single out the most viable spermatozoa, which would max out the chance for a successful pregnancy. The new generation techniques for sperm selection involve microfluidics, which offers laminar flow and low Reynolds number within the platforms can provide unprecedented opportunities for sperm selection. Previous studies showed that microfluidic platforms can provide a novel approach to this challenge and since then researchers across the globe have attacked this problem from multiple angles. OBJECTIVE In this review, we seek to provide a much-needed bridge between the technical and medical aspects of microfluidic sperm selection. Here, we provide an up-to-date list on microfluidic sperm selection procedures and its application in assisted reproductive technology laboratories. SEARCH METHOD A literature search was performed in Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus to select papers reporting microfluidic sperm selection using the keywords: microfluidic sperm selection, self-motility, non-motile sperm selection, boundary following, rheotaxis, chemotaxis, and thermotaxis. Papers published before March 31, 2023 were selected. OUTCOMES Our results show that most studies have used motility-based properties for sperm selection. However, microfluidic platforms are ripe for making use of other properties such as chemotaxis and especially rheotaxis. We have identified that low throughput is one of the major hurdles to current microfluidic sperm selection chips, which can be solved via parallelization. CONCLUSION Future work needs to be performed on numerical simulation of the microfluidics chip prior to fabrication as well as relevant clinical assessment after the selection procedure. This would require a close collaboration and understanding among engineers, biologists, and medical professionals. It is interesting that in spite of two decades of microfluidics sperm selection, numerical simulation and clinical studies are lagging behind. It is expected that microfluidic sperm selection platforms will play a major role in the development of fully integrated start-to-finish assisted reproductive technology systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Reza Jahangiri
- NanoLund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Materials Science and Applied Mathematics, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Niloofar Ziarati
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Dadkhah
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mustafa Numan Bucak
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Pegah Rahimizadeh
- Division of Experimental Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Cancer Research Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Abdolhossein Shahverdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tohid Rezaei Topraggaleh
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Chen D, Zheng L, Xie Y, Zhang C, Liu S, Jiang C, Zhou W, Luo T. Design and numerical study of a bidirectional acoustic microfluidic pump enabled by microcantilever arrays. Electrophoresis 2024; 45:1130-1141. [PMID: 37590395 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics offers a versatile and promising platform for various applications in biomedical and other fields, boasting cost-effectiveness, rapid analysis time, and a compact equipment footprint. However, achieving controlled and versatile microfluidic motion within implantable devices presents a significant challenge. In this study, we propose a novel bidirectional micro-pump design that leverages two sharp-edge microcantilever arrays, driven by ultrasound, to enable selective flow direction by manipulating the ultrasound frequency. Through systematic numerical simulation, we demonstrate the feasibility of this design and further optimize its performance through comprehensive parametric analysis. This work provides valuable guidance for the practical development of sharp-edge-based acoustic micro-pumps, particularly for potential implantable applications such as controlled drug release and in vivo sampling for advanced diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyang Chen
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P. R. China
- The State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power & Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lican Zheng
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Yu Xie
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Sirui Liu
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Chongjie Jiang
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Tao Luo
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P. R. China
- The State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power & Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China
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Wu Y, Gai J, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Liu Y. Acoustofluidic Actuation of Living Cells. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:466. [PMID: 38675277 PMCID: PMC11052308 DOI: 10.3390/mi15040466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Acoutofluidics is an increasingly developing and maturing technical discipline. With the advantages of being label-free, non-contact, bio-friendly, high-resolution, and remote-controllable, it is very suitable for the operation of living cells. After decades of fundamental laboratory research, its technical principles have become increasingly clear, and its manufacturing technology has gradually become popularized. Presently, various imaginative applications continue to emerge and are constantly being improved. Here, we introduce the development of acoustofluidic actuation technology from the perspective of related manipulation applications on living cells. Among them, we focus on the main development directions such as acoustofluidic sorting, acoustofluidic tissue engineering, acoustofluidic microscopy, and acoustofluidic biophysical therapy. This review aims to provide a concise summary of the current state of research and bridge past developments with future directions, offering researchers a comprehensive overview and sparking innovation in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA;
| | - Junyang Gai
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia;
| | - Yuwen Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA;
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Engineering, Dali University, Dali 671000, China
| | - Yaling Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA;
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Wu T, Wu Y, Yan J, Zhang J, Wang S. Microfluidic chip as a promising evaluation method in assisted reproduction: A systematic review. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10625. [PMID: 38435817 PMCID: PMC10905557 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is to select the high-quality sperm, oocytes, and embryos, and finally achieve a successful pregnancy. However, functional evaluation is hindered by intra- and inter-operator variability. Microfluidic chips emerge as the one of the most powerful tools to analyze biological samples for reduced size, precise control, and flexible extension. Herein, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and IEEE Xplore databases until March 2023. We displayed and prospected all detection strategies based on microfluidics in the ART field. After full-text screening, 71 studies were identified as eligible for inclusion. The percentages of human and mouse studies equaled with 31.5%. The prominent country in terms of publication number was the USA (n = 13). Polydimethylsiloxane (n = 49) and soft lithography (n = 28) were the most commonly used material and fabrication method, respectively. All articles were classified into three types: sperm (n = 38), oocytes (n = 20), and embryos (n = 13). The assessment contents included motility, counting, mechanics, permeability, impedance, secretion, oxygen consumption, and metabolism. Collectively, the microfluidic chip technology facilitates more efficient, accurate, and objective evaluation in ART. It can even be combined with artificial intelligence to assist the daily activities of embryologists. More well-designed clinical studies and affordable integrated microfluidic chips are needed to validate the safety, efficacy, and reproducibility. Trial registration: The protocol was registered in the Open Science Frame REGISTRIES (identification: osf.io/6rv4a).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological DiseasesTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of EducationTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yangyang Wu
- College of Animal Science and TechnologySichuan Agricultural UniversityYa'anSichuanChina
| | - Jinfeng Yan
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological DiseasesTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of EducationTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Jinjin Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological DiseasesTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of EducationTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Shixuan Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological DiseasesTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of EducationTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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Vafaie A, Raveshi MR, Devendran C, Nosrati R, Neild A. Making immotile sperm motile using high-frequency ultrasound. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk2864. [PMID: 38354240 PMCID: PMC10866541 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk2864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Sperm motility is a natural selection with a crucial role in both natural and assisted reproduction. Common methods for increasing sperm motility are by using chemicals that cause embryotoxicity, and the multistep washing requirements of these methods lead to sperm DNA damage. We propose a rapid and noninvasive mechanotherapy approach for increasing the motility of human sperm cells by using ultrasound operating at 800 mW and 40 MHz. Single-cell analysis of sperm cells, facilitated by droplet microfluidics, shows that exposure to ultrasound leads to up to 266% boost to motility parameters of relatively immotile sperm, and as a result, 72% of these immotile sperm are graded as progressive after exposure, with a swimming velocity greater than 5 micrometer per second. These promising results offer a rapid and noninvasive clinical method for improving the motility of sperm cells in the most challenging assisted reproduction cases to replace intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with less invasive treatments and to improve assisted reproduction outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Vafaie
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Mohammad Reza Raveshi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Citsabehsan Devendran
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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Wu Y, Zhao Y, Islam K, Zhou Y, Omidi S, Berdichevsky Y, Liu Y. Acoustofluidic Engineering of Functional Vessel-on-a-Chip. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:6273-6281. [PMID: 37787770 PMCID: PMC10646832 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Construction of in vitro vascular models is of great significance to various biomedical research, such as pharmacokinetics and hemodynamics, and thus is an important direction in the tissue engineering field. In this work, a standing surface acoustic wave field was constructed to spatially arrange suspended endothelial cells into a designated acoustofluidic pattern. The cell patterning was maintained after the acoustic field was withdrawn within the solidified hydrogel. Then, interstitial flow was provided to activate vessel tube formation. In this way, a functional vessel network with specific vessel geometry was engineered on-chip. Vascular function, including perfusability and vascular barrier function, was characterized by microbead loading and dextran diffusion, respectively. A computational atomistic simulation model was proposed to illustrate how solutes cross the vascular membrane lipid bilayer. The reported acoustofluidic methodology is capable of facile and reproducible fabrication of the functional vessel network with specific geometry and high resolution. It is promising to facilitate the development of both fundamental research and regenerative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wu
- Department
of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Yuwen Zhao
- Department
of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Khayrul Islam
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Yuyuan Zhou
- Department
of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Saeed Omidi
- Department
of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Yevgeny Berdichevsky
- Department
of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Yaling Liu
- Department
of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
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