NeoGenix paper named runner-up for the 2025 Robert G. Edwards Prize Paper

NeoGenix is pleased to share that our paper, “A biomimetic sperm selection device for routine sperm selection,” has been recognised as the 2025 Runner Up Robert G. Edwards Prize Paper by Reproductive BioMedicine Online (RBMO). The paper was published in RBMO, Volume 50, Issue 2, and is available open access under DOI 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.104433. 

This work was authored by Steven A. Vasilescu, Dale M. Goss, Kathryn H. Gurner, Rebecca L. Kelley, Maria Mazi, Fabrice K. De Bond, Jennifer Lorimer, Fabrizzio Horta, Farin Y. Parast, David K. Gardner, Reza Nosrati, and Majid E. Warkiani. 

The study evaluated whether a biomimetic microfluidic sperm sorter (a SpermGuide prototype) could isolate motile sperm while reducing DNA damage compared with conventional density gradient centrifugation (DGC). Across a two-phase study involving 61 men, the device was associated with improved DNA fragmentation outcomes and motility compared with raw semen, and it outperformed DGC in reducing DNA fragmentation in both cohorts. The trade-off was lower sperm concentration after isolation, consistent with a more selective enrichment approach. 

For NeoGenix, this recognition reflects a broader objective: developing practical reproductive technologies that are not only biologically rational, but also relevant to real laboratory workflows. The paper’s central conclusion was that channel-based biomimetic sperm selection can passively select motile sperm with low DNA fragmentation, offering a gentler alternative to conventional preparation methods while isolating fewer, but higher-quality, sperm. 

We are also pleased to share that this work will be presented by our CTO, Dr Saeed Fathi, at ALPHA 2026 in Dubrovnik, Croatia, at 4:00 pm on 17 April 2026. This is a valuable opportunity to discuss the study with the wider ART community and to contribute to ongoing conversations around sperm selection, microfluidics, and clinical translation.

We thank Reproductive BioMedicine Online for this recognition and look forward to presenting the work at ALPHA 2026.