JBRA Assist. Reprod. 2025;29(Suppl 1):38-38
POSTER PRESENTATION
doi: 10.5935/1518-0557.20250092

P-024. Impact of Sperm Selection Methods on Embryo Development: Comparison Between Density Gradients and Microfluidics

Dolphy Lantigua-Quezada¹, Adriana Gosálbez-Ferrandiz¹, Marcella Batlle-Paulino¹, Miguel Córdoba-Lisko¹, Marqui Ramos-Abreu¹, Victor Montes de Oca¹

¹Profert, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Objective: To compare sperm selection methods-density gradients and microfluidics-evaluating their effects on fertilization, embryo development, and euploidy, to identify which provides better embryo quality and genetic viability.
Methods: A retrospective study analyzed data from 88 patients undergoing IVF or ICSI. Semen samples were collected after 2-5 days of abstinence and processed using either density gradients or microfluidics. Fertilization rates and blastocyst quality were compared between both methods. In a subgroup of 26 patients, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) results were also compared. Statistical analyses included Shapiro-Wilk test for distribution, and Mann-Whitney or T-tests for group comparisons (p<0.05 considered significant).
Results: No statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were found between microfluidics and gradient methods in terms of fertilization or blastocyst development rates overall. Similarly, euploid, mosaic, and aneuploid embryo rates showed no significant differences. However, in patients undergoing IVF (not ICSI), microfluidics yielded a significantly higher blastocyst development rate than gradients (p=0.043).
Conclusion: While both methods show similar outcomes in general, microfluidics demonstrate a significant advantage in blastocyst development within IVF cycles. This suggests a potential benefit of microfluidics in IVF, warranting further research into its mechanisms and clinical implications.