Reproductive Medicine gets Help from Piezo Technology

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a widely used method in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), particularly in cases of low sperm count or reduced motility. By injecting a single sperm cell directly into a mature egg, ICSI significantly enhances the chances of successful fertilization, which is why it is preferred over conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF). Among the latest advancements in this field is Piezo-ICSI, a technique that is based on the piezoelectric effect and its application in modern technology.

Piezo-ICSI has shown promising results, especially for women with fragile egg syndrome and patients over 35. Studies indicate that this method improves fertilization rates and blastocyst development, offering renewed hope to individuals facing fertility challenges.

At the core of Piezo-ICSI is piezoelectric technology, which transforms electrical energy into precise mechanical movements. This innovation plays a vital role in microfluidics, enabling precise manipulation of minute volumes of liquids and gases. Such precision is crucial for advanced diagnostics, therapy, and medical procedures.

In Piezo-ICSI, a piezoelectric actuator drives a glass micropipette containing the sperm. This actuator generates high-precision movements to penetrate the egg’s zona pellucida and oolemma without damaging its delicate structure. The pipette is then carefully guided to deposit the sperm into the egg’s cytoplasm, ensuring optimal placement for fertilization.

Micromanipulators integrated with microscopes provide exact control over micropipette movements during the ICSI process. Piezo units are seamlessly combined with these manipulators, allowing the intensity and velocity of impulses to be finely tuned. These adjustments help align the micropipette with the egg’s protective membranes, ensuring minimal disruption. Additionally, piezo impulses can immobilize sperm cells before injection, further enhancing procedural accuracy.