Comparison of Swim-Up and MFSS Methods in Selection of Sperm for ICSI

Microfluidic sperm selection systems (MFSS) are increasingly being used and appear to be a promising adjunct in assisted reproductive treatment (ART). They are practical, easy to use, and often presented as highly effective. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of Ca0 microfluidic chip compared to the swim-up (SU) technique with respect to oxygen radicals and spermiogram parameters. Sample from each patients was separated by both methods and after that sperm was evaluated for sperm concentration, motility, morphology, DNA integrity, acrosomal status and mitochondrial membrane potential. Two subpopulations were selected on basic of spermiogram evaluation: normozoospermic (n=25) and non-normozoospermic (n=20). During analyses when we compare male characteristics between technics of separation, no significant differences were observed except for a lower DNA fragmented sperm in the CA0 group compared to SU (SU: 9,94 vs. CA0: 4,55, p = 0.016) in the non-normozoospermic cohort but not in normozoospermic cohort. The Ca0 method is simple, frequently used in laboratories, and gives good results but does not provide much benefit over the swim-up. In patients who do not have a normal spermiogram and have other problems (e.g. a higher proportion of sperm with fragmented DNA), it may improve the effectiveness of infertility treatment.