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In the intricate world of assisted reproductive technology (ART), every minute detail can significantly influence the outcome. One such detail that has garnered increasing attention is the choice of buffer during Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory. The meticulous research conducted by Dr. Robert J. Mendola, a distinguished expert in clinical IVF embryology, sheds light on the profound implications of different buffers on embryo development. Learn more about Dr.  Robert J. Medolas findings in this blog post. 

The CE marking on a medical device indicates that the product complies with European Union (EU) regulations. This certification highlights the fact that the product meets general safety and performance requirements as set out in Regulation (EU) 2017/745, AKA Medical Device Regulations (MDR). As well as being a legal requirement to have the CE marking in the European Economic Area (EEA), or equivalent in certain markets, it also provides reassurance that the medical device has undergone rigorous testing and assessment to ensure its safety and performance. This helps protect patients and users from potential risks associated with using non-compliant or unsafe devices.

Laser systems have been an integral part of routine IVF laboratory work for many years. Developed by Dr Klaus Rink and taken to first clinical application in 1994 in collaboration withDr Alfred Senn, the Octax laser systems quickly found worldwide adoption. Applications of Octaxlaser systems include assisted hatching / assisted thinning, blastocyst collapsing, trophectoderm and blastomere biopsy and last but not least sperm viability testing. In 2000 Dr Markus Montag was the firstauthor who described laser-induced immobilisation of human sperm ⁽¹⁾. In 2004 he further specified this application by describing the method of laser-assisted viability testing ⁽²⁾. 

Welcome to our blog post, where we explore the remarkable benefits of integrating time-lapse technology and specialised software in clinical settings. By combining these innovative tools, clinics worldwide are optimising workflows, gaining valuable insights, and revolutionising patient care. Carol Loscher, Laboratory Manager at Thérapie Fertility in Dublin, sharesthe valuable insight of their practice in the clinic.

EmbryoGlue is the first culture medium specifically formulated for transferring human embryos in a clinical setting, and it has been used in over 1 million fertility treatments since 2003.

In 2020, Nij Geertgen (Netherlands) became the first center in Benelux to offer 100% time-lapse for all patients.  

The physiological pH for human gametes and embryos is generally thought to be between 7.2 and 7.4. In order to maintain this range of pH during culture, i.e. to create a similar environment to that of the human reproductive tract, we use CO₂ gas inside various types of incubators (this blog post by Markus Montag – “Considerations for embryos culture at high altitude”, further explains this).

In vitro, the pH is generally maintained between 7.2 and 7.4.  All Vitrolife media are formulated to meet this narrow pH specification range, supporting optimal metabolic conditions. Maintaining a defined and physiological pH is through the inclusion of certain chemical components in the media called “pH buffers”. These pH buffers act as a weak acid or base. As a result, solutions containing such buffers can resist a change in pH caused by environmental changes.

The most commonly used pH buffer in IVF culture media is bicarbonate, which is the same buffer that is present in our blood. Carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere surrounding the culture dish will dissolve and equilibrate in the medium. Dissolved CO2 increases the amount of carbonic acid in the medium, releasing protons and therefore decreasing pH in the medium (see equation below). If the CO2 level in an incubator remains constant, the pH of the medium can be maintained.  Vitrolife culture media require a CO2 concentration of 6.0% at sea level, but the CO2 concentration can be adjusted by the end user to reach the desired pH. This ensures there is enough CO2 inside the incubator surrounding the culture dish, and in turn the formation of carbonic acid and protons, to maintain the specified pH of the culture media.

CO2 + H2O ↔ H2CO3 ↔ HCO3- + H+

When a procedure is performed in atmospheric conditions outside of the incubator, the media containing gametes and embryos are exposed to a much lower CO2 concentration (about 0.02%).  This dramatic drop in CO2 concentration will cause a change in the carbonic acid and proton content in the medium and an increase in the pH to a level above what is optimal for gametes and embryo development.  Using an oil overlay on the dish will somewhat delay the effect of this drop in CO2 concentration and subsequent pH increase.  Thus, it is recommended to use media containing a pH buffer other than bicarbonate when performing procedures under atmospheric conditions.

Deepen your knowledge:

Antioxidants, long touted in cosmeceuticals for their anti-aging miracles, and in food industries for their health benefits, are now a new dynamic component in IVF media. While it has been demonstrated that the use of individual antioxidants has beneficial effects, their real power is manifest when used in combination, as is seen in vivo as part of an elegant antioxidant system. This blog post outlines the rationale for including antioxidants in IVF media and how the three antioxidants in the Gx Media system were selected and tested in the mouse model.

The concept of fast freezing or vitrification was first described more than 80 years ago by Basile J. Luyet, the so-called Father of Cryobiology (Luyet, 1937). He showed that supercooled solutions could be solidified without crystallization, forming a glass-like state. Already then, the potential of the technique and the associated challenges were in the research spotlight. Today, we’ve managed to overcome all methodological-related issues of vitrification. It has evolved into a reliable and efficient method to freeze oocytes and embryos. Vitrification is used for medically assisted reproduction and fertility preservation: the goal is to ensure the maximum survival rate with the highest level of biosafety. In this blog post, we will compare closed and open carrier devices for vitrification.