IVF-on-a-Chip: Recent Advances in Microfluidics Technology for In Vitro Fertilization

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has been one of the most exciting modern medical technologies. It has transformed the landscape of human infertility treatment. However, current IVF procedures still provide limited accessibility and affordability to most infertile couples because of the multiple cumbersome processes and heavy dependence on technically skilled personnel. Microfluidics technology offers unique opportunities to automate IVF procedures, reduce stress imposed upon gametes and embryos, and minimize the operator-to-operator variability. This article describes the rapidly evolving state of the application of microfluidics technology in the field of IVF, summarizes the diverse angles of how microfluidics has been complementing or transforming current IVF protocols, and discusses the challenges that motivate continued innovation in this field.