Environmental Validation of a Novel Automated IVF Platform: Results from Comprehensive Off-Gassing and Toxicity Assessment

Flores-Saiffe Farias et al., American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) 2025 Scientific Congress & Expo

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Automated IVF equipment introduces new materials and components into the laboratory environment, potentially releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or particles that could harm sensitive gametes and embryos.

This comprehensive study evaluated AURA, a complete automated IVF platform comprising five subsystems for dish preparation, sperm preparation, oocyte handling, fertilization, and vitrification. Each component underwent extensive off-gassing tests, air quality monitoring, and embryotoxicity assessment using mouse embryo assays.

All subsystems met international air quality standards. Mouse embryos exposed to the automated environment developed normally, with no significant differences from controls in development or cell counts, confirming the platform's biosafety.

This validation framework establishes critical benchmarks for evaluating automated IVF equipment, ensuring that technological innovation does not compromise the delicate environment required for successful human embryo development.