ABSTRACT
Optimized production of preimplantation embryos for use in assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) has been a central goal of reproductive scientists since the inception of the field, and, subsequently, methodologies have continually been refined to aid in this endeavor. For example, skilled technicians meticulously handle gametes and embryos in prescribed manners, extensive research has refined culture media formulations to cater to the changing metabolic needs of gametes and embryos, and commercial manufacturers have produced specialized equipment to meet the specific needs of cells in ART. Though approached from different perspectives, the commonality between these advancements is the pursuit of minimizing external stresses imposed upon gametes and embryos due to artificial manipulation within the in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory. Environmental and intracellular factors influenced by these manipulations, such as osmotic imbalances, shifts in temperature, mechanical stress, and pH fluctuations, can all have negative 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 manipulated and cultured.
