Innovative 3D-Printed Microfluid Devices Can Reduce Complexity of IVF

Researchers have developed a novel dynamic cell culture, which has the potential to significantly improve in-vitro fertilization (IVF). It uses a unique polymer and 3D printing process. The technology—a combined effort between two companies, UpNano GmbH in Austria and Adelaide, Australia-based startup Fertilis—can reduce the complexity of the IVF process and thus the stress put on embryos during implantation, according to the companies.

UpNano has developed the material, called UpFlow. The material can be used in conjunction with the company’s NanoOne 2PP printer, to create a new dynamic cell culture microfluidic device. This device was developed by Fertilis, an IVF specialist. Marty Guavin CEO of Fertilis said that the device makes IVF simpler for patients. This will save them money and reduce the emotional burden IVF can cause.

IVF can be complicated, not only for the parents who are trying to conceive but also for the embryos they hope to have a baby. Today’s IVF process involves many steps. Embryos must be moved between environments. This can reduce their chances of being viable. It may also require multiple implantation procedures to succeed.

Fertilis’s 3D-printed microdevice—which is based on UpFlow, a photopolymerizing material—can reduce the number of implantations needed by 30 to 40 percent, Guavin said, which improves the chance that the process will have a desired outcome.

“Our device allows fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo cryopreservation to occur in the one structure—no more moving embryos around by hand,” he explained. This actually increases the success rate substantially and reduces costs, time, and stress for parents.

Functional Design for the 3D-Printing the Micro-Device

Specifically, Fertilis has created a 3D-printed micro-device based on UpFlow that automates the critical life phase between fertilization and implantation of the embryo in the IVF process, the companies said. Guavin stated that the device is 0.05 millimeters wide and allows scientists to monitor and control the culturing of fertilized eggs. This eliminates the need to move embryos between petri dishes, which could cause stress that could reduce their viability.

The companies stated that certain aspects of the UpFlow material as well as the NanoOne 2PP printer used for printing the device made it possible to create the features. Denise Hirner is the chief operating officer of UpNano and co-founder.

UpNano chose specific base resins to create this material. A final UV exposure hardens the material, and the material is ready for use. “This allows for a far superior post-production processing, especially the flushing of the very fine channels”—which are smaller than a human hair—”to remove unpolymerized material and ensure reproducibility of structural elements,” Hirner said.

UpFlow also features a high optical transparency, which makes it well suited for microscopic inspections of embryos in incubation as well as a low autofluorescence, Hirner added. Guavin stated that the NanoOne 2PP printer produced a micro-device with high quality and reduced the time required to print it. Guavin called it “an extraordinary acceleration of the production process.”