The site of the Media Sphera Publishers contains materials intended solely for healthcare professionals.
By closing this message, you confirm that you are a certified medical professional or a student of a medical educational institution.

Login
EN
+7 (495) 482-4118
+7 (495) 482-4329
+8 800 250-18-12
  • (toll-free number for subscriptions)
    Mon-Fri from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  • © 1998-2026
+7 (495) 482-43-29
EN
All journals
Journal
Year
Year
Search result: 0

Gromenko I.D.

FSBEI HE «Bashkir State Medical University»

Galimova E.F.

FSBEI HE «Bashkir State Medical University»

Galimov K.Sh.

State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University)

Gromenko R.I.

FSBEI HE «Bashkir State Medical University»

Salimgareeva M.H.

FSBEI HE «Bashkir State Medical University»

Andreev I.I.

State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University)

Galimov Sh.N.

FSBEI HE «Bashkir State Medical University»

Efficiency of sperm selection using microfluidic chips in assisted reproductive technology programs in patients with high levels of DNA fragmentation in the ejaculate

Authors:

Gromenko I.D., Galimova E.F., Galimov K.Sh., Gromenko R.I., Salimgareeva M.H., Andreev I.I., Galimov Sh.N.

More about the authors

Journal: Russian Journal of Human Reproduction. 2026;31(1): 57‑63

DOI: 10.17116/repro20263201157

Read: 241 times

Buy for 300₽
Contact the author
Table of contents

EFFICIENCY OF SPERM SELECTION USING MICROFLUIDIC CHIPS IN ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS IN PATIENTS WITH HIGH LEVELS OF DNA FRAGMENTATION IN THE EJACULATE
EFFICIENCY OF SPERM SELECTION USING MICROFLUIDIC CHIPS IN ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS IN PATIENTS WITH HIGH LEVELS OF DNA FRAGMENTATION IN THE EJACULATE

To cite this article:

Gromenko ID, Galimova EF, Galimov KSh, Gromenko RI, Salimgareeva MH, Andreev II, Galimov ShN. Efficiency of sperm selection using microfluidic chips in assisted reproductive technology programs in patients with high levels of DNA fragmentation in the ejaculate. Russian Journal of Human Reproduction. 2026;31(1):57‑63. (In Russ.)
https://doi.org/10.17116/repro20263201157

 
Подписка 2026 Проблемы репродукции (Russian Journal of Human Reproduction)
МСФ на ЯМ
Использование инфографики авторами научных работ
Abstract:

INTRODUCTION

The emergence of a new method for diagnosing infertility, such as the assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation, requires new treatment approaches. Existing standard selection methods in ART programs are not able to effectively separate gametes with damaged genetic material. Against this background, the emergence of microfluidic chip technology, which makes it possible to most accurately model the barrier function of the female reproductive system and minimize the impact of damaging factors, seems promising as a possible method of sperm selection in patients with a high level of DNA fragmentation.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess the effect of the use of microfluidic chips on the effectiveness of ART programs in patients with a high level of DNA fragmentation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The prospective study involved 31 married couples. The inclusion criteria were: the age of the man is less than 50 years, the age of the woman is under 35 years, the male factor of infertility associated with a high level of SDF (>30%), an unsuccessful ART program in anamnesis. All study participants underwent two consecutive ICSI programs. During the first program, sperm selection was carried out using the standard method of density gradient centrifugation. In the second ICSI, microfluidic chips were used to select male gametes. Subsequently, the results of the embryological and clinical stages were compared between the programs carried out.

OUTCOMES

The use of microfluidic chips made it possible to significantly increase the fertilization rate (88.42% vs. 81.45%; p <0.05), the proportion of blastocysts obtained (39.48% vs. 22.06%, p <0.00001) and the cumulative pregnancy rate (38.71% vs. 16.13%; p= 0.020) compared to sperm selection by density gradient centrifugation.

CONCLUSION

The use of microfluidic chips in ART programs has significantly improved both embryological and clinical results of treatment of patients with a high level of DNA fragmentation in the ejaculate. It is necessary to conduct additional studies in order to confirm the identified patterns and make a decision on expanding the use of microfluidic technologies in medical practice.

Keywords:

male infertility
DNA sperm fragmentation
microfluidic chips

Authors:

Gromenko I.D.

FSBEI HE «Bashkir State Medical University»

Galimova E.F.

FSBEI HE «Bashkir State Medical University»

Galimov K.Sh.

State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University)

Gromenko R.I.

FSBEI HE «Bashkir State Medical University»

Salimgareeva M.H.

FSBEI HE «Bashkir State Medical University»

Andreev I.I.

State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University)

Galimov Sh.N.

FSBEI HE «Bashkir State Medical University»

Received:

31.07.2024

Accepted:

10.06.2025

Close metadata

References:

  1. Zhao C, Sun L, Zhao P. Effects of sperm processing techniques on IVF pregnancy rates: a mini-review. Therapeutic Advances in Reproductive Health. 2023;17:26334941231188656. https://doi.org/10.1177/26334941231188656
  2. Marinaro J, Schlegel P. Sperm DNA Damage and Its Relevance in Fertility Treatment: A Review of Recent Literature and Current Practice Guidelines. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023;24(2):1446. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24021446
  3. Jeyendran R, Caroppo E, Rouen A, Anderson A, Puscheck E. Selecting the most competent sperm for assisted reproductive technologies. Fertility and Sterility. 2019;111(5):851-863.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.03.024
  4. Galimov ShN, Gromenko JY, Bulygin KV, Galimov KS, Galimova EF, Sinelnikov MY. The level of secondary messengers and the redox state of NAD+/NADH are associated with sperm quality in infertility. Journal of Reproductive Immunology. 2021;148:103383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jri.2021.103383
  5. Garrido N, Gül M, Jindal S, Vogiatzi P, Saleh R, Durairajanayagam D, Parmegiani L, Boitrelle F, Colpi GM, Agarwal A. How to select healthy sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection in samples with high sperm DNA fragmentation? Panminerva Medica. 2023;65(2):148-158.  https://doi.org/10.23736/S0031-0808.23.04870-X
  6. World Health Organization. WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen. 6th ed. World Health Organization, Geneva; 2021.
  7. Sharma R, Iovine C, Agarwal A, Henkel R. TUNEL assay-Standardized method for testing sperm DNA fragmentation. Andrologia. 2021;53(2):e13738. https://doi.org/10.1111/and.13738
  8. Nikshad A, Aghlmandi A, Safaralizadeh R, Aghebati-Maleki L, Warkiani M, Khiavi F, Yousefi M. Advances of microfluidic technology in reproductive biology. Life Sciences. 2021;265:118767. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118767
  9. Nath B, Caprini L, Maggi C, Zizzari A, Arima V, Viola I, Di Leonardo R, Puglisi A. A microfluidic method for passive trapping of sperms in microstructures. Lab on a Chip. 2023;23(4):773-784.  https://doi.org/10.1039/d2lc00997h
  10. Muratori M, Tarozzi N, Carpentiero F. Sperm selection with density gradient centrifugation and swim up: effect on DNA fragmentation in viable spermatozoa. Scientific Reports. 2019;9:7492-7492. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-43981-2
  11. Weng L. IVF-on-a-Chip: Recent Advances in Microfluidics Technology for In Vitro Fertilization. SLAS Technology. 2019;24(4): 373-385.  https://doi.org/10.1177/2472630319851765
  12. Vaughan D, Sakkas D. Sperm selection methods in the 21st century. Biology of Reproduction. 2019;101(6):1076-1082. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioz032
  13. Ghassemi Panah A, Zabetian Targhi M, Heydari A, Halvaei I. A novel microfluidic system to separate sperm using spermatozoa inherent motion and inertial effect. Journal of Biomechanics. 2022; 142:111256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111256
  14. Quinn M, Jalalian L, Ribeiro S, Ona K, Demirci U, Cedars MI, Rosen MP. Microfluidic sorting selects sperm for clinical use with reduced DNA damage compared to density gradient centrifugation with swim-up in split semen samples. Human Reproduction. 2018; 33(8):1388-1393. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dey239
  15. Vasilescu S, Ding L, Parast F, Nosrati R, Warkiani M. Sperm quality metrics were improved by a biomimetic microfluidic selection platform compared to swim-up methods. Microsystems and Nanoengineering. 2023;9:37.  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41378-023-00501-7
  16. Yildiz K, Yuksel S. Use of microfluidic sperm extraction chips as an alternative method in patients with recurrent in vitro fertilisation failure. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. 2019;36(7): 1423-1429. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-019-01480-3
  17. Ferreira Aderaldo J, da Silva Maranhão K, Ferreira Lanza D. Does microfluidic sperm selection improve clinical pregnancy and miscarriage outcomes in assisted reproductive treatments? A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2023;18(11):e0292891. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0292891
  18. Lara-Cerrillo S, Urda Muñoz C, de la Casa Heras M, Camacho Fernández-Pacheco S, Gijón de la Santa J, Lacruz-Ruiz T, Rosado-Iglesias C, Gonçalves-Aponte V, Badajoz Liébana V, García-Peiró A. Microfluidic sperm sorting improves ICSI outcomes in patients with increased values of Double-Strand Breaks in sperm DNA. Revista Internacional de Andrología. 2023;21(1):100338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.androl.2021.10.003
  19. Keskin M, Pabuçcu E, Arslanca T, Demirkıran Ö, Pabuçcu R. Does Microfluidic Sperm Sorting Affect Embryo Euploidy Rates in Couples with High Sperm DNA Fragmentation? Reproductive Sciences. 2022;29(6):1801-1808. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43032-021-00784-z
  20. Aydın Ş, Bulgan Kılıçdağ E, Çağlar Aytaç P, Çok T, Şimşek E, Haydardedeoğlu B. Prospective randomized controlled study of a microfluidic chip technology for sperm selection in male infertility patients. Andrologia. 2022;54(6):e14415. https://doi.org/10.1111/and.14415
  21. Zaha I, Naghi P, Stefan L, Bunescu C, Radu M, Muresan M, Sandor M, Sachelarie L, Huniadi A. Comparative Study of Sperm Selection Techniques for Pregnancy Rates in an Unselected IVF-ICSI Population. Journal of Personalized Medicine. 2023;13(4):619.  https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13040619
  22. Anbari F, Khalili MA, Sultan Ahamed A, Mangoli E, Nabi A, Dehghanpour F, Sabour M. Microfluidic sperm selection yields higher sperm quality compared to conventional method in ICSI program: A pilot study. Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine. 2021;67(2):137-143.  https://doi.org/10.1080/19396368.2020.1837994
  23. Guler C, Melil S, Ozekici U, Donmez Cakil Y, Selam B, Cincik M. Sperm Selection and Embryo Development: A Comparison of the Density Gradient Centrifugation and Microfluidic Chip Sperm Preparation Methods in Patients with Astheno-Teratozoospermia. Life. 2021;11(9):933.  https://doi.org/10.3390/life11090933
  24. Sheibak N, Amjadi F, Shamloo A, Zarei F, Zandieh Z. Microfluidic sperm sorting selects a subpopulation of high-quality sperm with a higher potential for fertilization. Human Reproduction. 2024;39(5): 902-911.  https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deae045
  25. Gromenko YuYu, Galimova EF, Gromenko DD, Galimov KSh, Bulygin KV, Galimov ShN. Oocyte activation: fundamental and clinical aspects. Voprosy ginekologii, akusherstva i perinatologii. 2020;19(5):77-85. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.20953/1726-1678-2020-5-77-85
  26. Hsu T, Lee I, Lin S, Wang Z, Chang C, Wang E, Huang C, Tsao M, Lee S, Agarwal A. Live motile sperm sorting device for enhanced sperm-fertilization competency: comparative analysis with density-gradient centrifugation and microfluidic sperm sorting. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. 2023;40(8):1855-1864. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-023-02838-4
  27. Makarova NP, Sysoeva AP, Chernyshev VS, Gavrilov MYu, Lobanova NN, Kulakova EV, Kalinina EA. Clinical and biological efficacy of using microfluidic chips for sperm selection in the treatment of infertility using assisted reproductive technologies. Akusherstvo i ginekologiya. 2024;11:138-145. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.18565/aig.2024.172
  28. Fang Y, Wu R, Lee JM, Chan L, Chan K. Microfluidic in-vitro fertilization technologies: transforming the future of human reproduction. Trends in Analytical Chemistry. 2023;160:116959. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2023.116959
  29. Alias A, Huang H, Yao D. A Review on Microfluidics: An Aid to Assisted Reproductive Technology. Molecules. 2021;26(14):4354. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26144354
  30. Heydari A, Zabetian Targhi M, Halvaei I, Nosrati R. A novel microfluidic device with parallel channels for sperm separation using spermatozoa intrinsic behaviors. Scientific Reports. 2023;13(1):1185. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-28315-7
Contact the author
Email
Message
The publishing house "Media Sphere" does not provide treatment services, does not give recommendations on contacting medical institutions and specific specialists, on the prescription of medicines and dietary supplements.

Email Confirmation

An email was sent to test@gmail.com with a confirmation link. Follow the link from the letter to complete the registration on the site.

Email Confirmation

Submit Application

You can become an author of one of our magazines, send a request and we will consider it in during the day.

Name
Phone
E-mail
Message
Login
Registration
E-mail
Password
Forgot Password?

Log in to the site using your account in one of the services

Password recovery
E-mail
Login
Register

We use cооkies to improve the performance of the site. By staying on our site, you agree to the terms of use of cооkies. To view our Privacy and Cookie Policy, please. click here.