Microfluidic applications for andrology.

Perhaps one of the most exciting and revolutionary scientific discoveries of the past 3 decades has been the development of in vitro fertilization (IVF) to treat human infertility. It is impossible to quantify its effect on numerous families since the first IVF birth in 1978 in Oldham, England (Steptoe and Edwards, 1978). With increasing clinical utilization of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), scientists and clinicians gain insights into basic gamete and embryo biology and translate that knowledge into improving the process of IVF. Critical analyses of individual steps have improved outcomes. Attention to sperm processing and isolation to increase recovery of motile sperm and reduce sperm damage has improved fertilization rates and embryo development (Mortimer, 1994). Use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has allowed fertilization even in severe cases of compromised sperm quality or number (Bonduelle et al, 1999). Finally, refinement of embryo culture has led to improved in vitro embryo development and implantation rates (Gardner and Lane, 1998; Pool, 2002). Most scientific attention, however, has focused on methodologies rather than technology development and equipment. Semen is still processed in test tubes regardless of technique, sperm are physically placed with oocytes after processing, and fertilization and embryo culture occur in culture dishes, test tubes, or both with relatively large vol-