Research
New technologies for the IVF laboratory, developed with clinical and academic collaborators.
SpermGuide
In developmentResearch Use Only
A biomimetic microfluidic sperm selection device, designed to replicate the intricate trajectory of natural sperm selection through the female reproductive tract.
- Operates over a 15 to 30 minute period of incubation.
- Compatible with a sperm-suitable buffer or medium.
- Consistently reduces DNA fragmentation and enriches a highly motile population of sperm in pre-clinical studies.
Pre-clinical results
Pre-clinical
68%
more motile sperm vs previously reported channel methods
Vasilescu et al. 2023, Microsyst. Nanoeng.
Pre-clinical
85%
improvement in sperm DNA integrity vs swim-up
Vasilescu et al. 2023, Microsyst. Nanoeng.
Pre-clinical
92%
average DNA fragmentation reduction with microfluidic selection, vs 57% with DGC
Vasilescu et al. 2025, Reprod. Biomed. Online
Two-time runner-up, RBMO Robert G. Edwards prize paper award
Publications
Real-time artificial-intelligence-assisted rare sperm searching: a prospective, multicentre, paired sister-oocyte pilot studyReproductive BioMedicine Online.Read
A biomimetic sperm selection device for routine sperm selectionReproductive BioMedicine Online.Read
Sperm DNA fragmentation and its influence on mammalian reproductionNature Reviews Urology.Read
Evaluation of an artificial intelligence-facilitated sperm detection tool in azoospermic samples for use in ICSIReproductive BioMedicine Online.Read
Sperm quality metrics improved by a biomimetic microfluidic selection platform compared to swim-up methodsMicrosystems & Nanoengineering.Read
O-136 Artificial intelligence to assist in surgical sperm detection and isolationHuman Reproduction, ESHRE abstract book.Read
How microfluidics and microfabrication will improve diagnosis and treatment in human ARTCRC Press.Read
P-084 Novel single-step microfluidic chamber outperforms density gradient centrifugation in post-selection motility and DNA integrityHuman Reproduction, ESHRE abstract book.Read
Research collaborations
We work with IVF clinics, universities and research bodies to develop and assess our technologies. SpermGuide is provided for Research Use Only in current collaborations.