The Microfluidics system gradually increases the concentration of cryoprotectant in situ so that the embryo does not need to be moved by manual transfer from one solution to another. This device was developed by scientists from the National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB) in Tehran, Iran, McGill University and the University of British Columbia both in Canada. The research results emphasize the importance of moving from droplet loading of cryoprotectants to gradual concentration control. When embryo freezing is performed manually by transferring embryos from one solution to another, the sudden transfer between droplets can cause a sudden osmotic shock, which is thought to lead to molecular damage. Therefore, the new fully automated system will increase the efficiency of assisted reproduction and improve the health of future children.
