ABSTRACT
Optimized production of preimplantation embryos for use in assisted reproductive techniques (ART) has been a central goal of reproductive scientists since the inception of the fi eld, and, subsequently, methodologies have continually been refi ned to aid in this endeavor. For example, skilled technicians meticulously handle gametes and embryos in prescribed manners, extensive research has refi ned culture media formulations to cater to the changing metabolic needs of gametes and embryos, and commercial manufacturers have even produced specialized equipment to meet the specifi c needs of cells in ART. Though approached from different perspectives, the commonality between these advancements is the pursuit to minimize external stresses imposed upon gametes and embryos due to artifi cial manipulation within the in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory. Environmental and intracellular factors infl uenced by these manipulations, such as osmotic imbalances, shifts in temperature, and pH fl uctuations, can all have devastating effects on embryo quality. However, even with these tremendous improvements, relatively little attention has been paid to the platform on which gametes and embryos are cultured and manipulated.
