How can modern technology help IVF succeed?

Scientific institutes, universities and in vitro industry leaders worldwide have attempted to optimize in vitro culture conditions by simulating conditions in the oviduct (Fallopian tube) and uterus. All these attempts to improve in vitro culture systems have focused primarily on modifying the components of media, energy or nitrogen sources and growth factors/hormone supplements. However, this type of standard static microfluidic culture system has led to only limited pregnancy success rates.

The underlying idea

In order to simulate conditions in the oviduct, mechanical stimulating factors are crucially important. They play a role that has not been a focus of previous investigations. It is known that an embryo developing naturally in vivo is exposed to constant vibrations of around 6 Hz increasing to 20 Hz when the oviductal fluid is mechanically agitated by the cilia (Paltieli et al., 1995).
Our aim was therefore to develop and design an autonomous device to imitate the natural complex movements and vibrations in the oviduct dynamically. Thus, after a long research and development phase in IVF centers, we developed Viboviduct at SimSoTec GmbH. Viboviduct’s advanced technology and high efficiency allow dynamic execution of defined vibration protocols. The device is designed and developed for use in an incubator. It withstands extreme conditions (moisture and temperatures, foreign bodies and dust, contamination with bacteria and viruses).