Sperm Chip (Fertile Plus)

Microchip Technology in IVF Treatment

Developed by a prominent Turkish physician at Stanford University, the “Microchip” method combines medicine, biological sciences, and engineering to offer a significant source of hope for male-factor infertility.

The microchip application is a highly effective technique used during the sperm selection stage. It identifies DNA damage and isolates healthy, high-quality sperm cells suitable for fertilization. By separating healthy sperm from damaged ones, this technology ensures that only the best candidates are used in the ICSI procedure, thereby increasing the overall probability of a successful pregnancy.

Embryos created from eggs fertilized with DNA-intact sperm selected via the microchip method have a significantly higher chance of successful implantation in the uterus.

Understanding the Factors of Infertility

Infertility generally stems from three primary factors:

1. Egg Quality: Related to ovarian reserve and age.

2. Sperm Quality: Count, motility, and DNA integrity.

3. Uterine/Ovarian Health: Structural issues within the female reproductive system.

While other factors such as immune system disorders, infectious diseases, or environmental conditions play a role, their prevalence is relatively lower compared to these core issues. Research shows that male infertility is just as common as female infertility. This reality has driven the development of advanced applications like Sperm Chip and Fertile Plus alongside microchip technology.

What is Microchip Application in IVF?

The cornerstone of a successful IVF cycle is the union of high-quality eggs with high-quality sperm. In traditional IVF or standard microinjection (ICSI), fertilization is achieved by bringing these cells together. However, when sperm quality is suboptimal, selecting the cells with the highest fertilization potential becomes critical. This is where microchip technology—also known as microfluidic sperm sorting—comes into play.

The microchip application allows for the selection of the most elite sperm from a semen sample. Even in cases of low sperm count, DNA fragmentation, or poor morphology, it enhances the likelihood of forming healthy, viable embryos.

When is the Microchip Method Recommended?

Microchip technology is typically recommended in cases where sperm counts are low or significant male-factor infertility is present.

Important Clinical Notes:

• Surgical Sperm Retrieval: We generally do not recommend this method for cases where sperm is obtained directly from the testes via TESE or TESA.

• Azoospermia: This method cannot be applied to patients with a total absence of sperm (azoospermia) in the ejaculate.

Since the introduction of the microchip method, a measurable increase in IVF success rates has been observed globally. Our center utilizes the latest technological protocols to perform microchip sperm selection, ensuring the highest standards of care for our patients.

What is the Sperm Chip in IVF?

The Sperm Chip is a microfluidic device specifically engineered to separate healthy sperm from damaged or low-quality ones. This small but sophisticated device utilizes micro-channels filled with a specialized culture fluid designed to mimic the natural biological environment of the female reproductive tract.

The mechanism is simple yet highly effective: only sperm cells with optimal motility and morphology are able to swim through these micro-channels to reach the opposite end.

The Key Advantage: The Sperm Chip technique is performed without any external force or harsh chemical substances. This provides a natural flow that eliminates stress factors on the sperm, mirroring the natural selection process. This technique yields exceptional results for men with poor sperm motility and morphology and is crucial in preventing the transmission of genetic defects from the sperm to the embryo.

What is Fertile Plus in IVF?

Fertile Plus is an advanced microchip application used in IVF to isolate the highest-quality sperm without the need for damaging techniques such as centrifugation or vigorous mixing.

Designed to emulate the female reproductive system’s natural filtration, Fertile Plus ensures that only sperm with superior morphological, genetic, and physiological characteristics reach the exit port.

Why Fertile Plus?

• Sterile and Biocompatible: Made from single-use, biocompatible materials, ensuring a sterile and safe environment.

• Proven Superiority: Studies have shown that sperm isolated via Fertile Plus exhibit:

  • 2x higher viability rate.

  • 1.5x increased speed.

  • 2x better motility compared to standard preparation methods.

How are Sperm Chip and Fertile Plus Applications Used?

The journey toward a successful pregnancy begins with a comprehensive set of screenings for both partners. If a semen analysis reveals that the sperm lacks the necessary qualities to form a healthy embryo, a fertility specialist may recommend the integration of Sperm Chip or Fertile Plus techniques into the treatment plan.

By utilizing these microfluidic technologies, our embryologists can achieve significantly higher fertilization and pregnancy success rates compared to traditional IVF preparation methods.