Microfluidic sperm selection in IVF involves the use of microscale devices designed to mimic the female reproductive tract environment, aiding in the precise selection of healthy and viable sperm for fertilization. In a normal physiological state, millions of sperm are released into the vagina, but only a small fraction reach the fallopian tube, and only capacitated sperm cells can eventually penetrate the oocyte membrane for fertilization.

Conventional sperm sorting procedures rely on centrifugation, which generates oxidative stress and cell damage detrimental to IVF/ICSI outcomes, affecting fertilization and implantation chances. Microfluidic sperm selection addresses these issues by providing a platform for isolating and manipulating high-quality sperm cells using motion gradients within microchannels. Higher concentrations of DNA fragmentation have been linked to increased chances of miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss. Overall, microfluidic sperm selection has the potential to improve IVF success rates by offering a more effective and efficient method of selecting optimal sperm for fertilization.