CAN MICROFLUIDIC SPERM SORTING HELP SEPARATION OF SPERMS WITH GOOD QUALITY DNA?

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It is evident that raised sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) negatively affects the reproductive outcomes. Management for raised sperm DFI to optimize reproductive outcomes is still elusive. Microfluidic sperm sorting and Magnetic cell sorting are few of the newer methods employed to obtain sperms with good DNA and optimize reproductive outcomes. However, there is further need for clinical validation of these newer interventions. In Individuals with raised SDF, will sperm sorting with Microfluidics principle help in obtaining sperms with good quality DNA? This was an observational pilot study performed at our private fertility unit from August 2020 to March 2021. Couples with raised SDF (>15%) were recruited and offered microfluidic sorting (n=34). Couples with history of one failed IVF cycle were offered testing for SDF. Individuals with SDF > 15% were included in the study. SDF testing was done with SCSA flow cytometer method. On the day of oocyte retrieval male partners were advised to come with 48hrs abstinence and semen sample was obtained by masturbation. Small aliquot of ejaculated neat sample was sent for SDF testing. Zymot multi ZMH0850 Microfluidic chamber was used for this study. Protocol for microfluidic sorting was done as per the manufacturer’s instruction. Post microfluidic processing the sample was sent to SDF testing again. SDF values of neat and processed samples were compared. Appropriate consents were obtained from the couples that were recruited in this study after thorough counseling. Mean of SDF of neat samples was 24%. Mean of SDF of microfluidic-sorted samples was 3.1%. SDF values of all samples after microfluidic sorting were less than 10%. Paired “t” test was done and the outcomes were statistically significant. There seemed a significant reduction in SDF values with microfluidic sperm sorting. Microfluidics Sperm Sorting seems to be a promising intervention to obtain sperms with good DNA quality. Microfluidics Sperm Sorting seems to be a beneficial intervention to optimize sperm selection with good DNA quality for Individuals with raised sperm DFI.