Our DNA is formed by a double strand, which can experience breaks. Double DNA fragmentation refers to the presence of breaks in both strands, which can lead to male sterility and a higher rate of miscarriage.

When processing semen with altered double-strand fragmentation, we can resort to this innovative device for the selection of motile spermatozoa using microfluidic technology called ZyMōt™. 

Sperm selection by way of ZyMōt™ microfluidics

ZyMōt™ Multi (850ul) allows the processing of semen samples for use in any assisted reproduction treatment: IUI, IVF and ICSI. It consists of a method of selecting motile spermatozoa with a lower percentage of double-stranded DNA fragmentation.

Thanks to this system, we are also able to recover spermatozoa with better motility, in addition to those with lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In short, we manage to improve the selection of spermatozoa that will be used in the corresponding assisted reproduction technique.

The mechanism by which sperm are selected is based on:

  • Filtering those spermatozoa with the lowest percentage of fragmentation and the most motile, in addition to those with the lowest levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), by way of two porous membranes.
  • Those that manage to pass through these membranes can be used directly, and those that are retained in the device are those with a higher percentage of single or double chain fragmentation.

When is this technique used?

This technique is appropriate for patients with high single or double-stranded DNA fragmentation.

Similarly, it would be appropriate for use in patients with repeat miscarriages, implantation failures in previous ART cycles, and even in those cases where there has been a lower rate of embryos that reach the blastocyst stage. Additionally, an improvement in the rate of euploid embryos was also observed following the use of ZyMōt™.

What are its limitations?

ZyMōt™ can be used on any type of sample, on the condition that motile sperm are observed, i.e. we do not need a minimum concentration of motile sperm in order to be able to process the sample, and as mentioned above, it can be used for IUI, IVF or ICSI.