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 eld, and, subsequently, methodologies have continually been rened to aid in this endeavor. For example, skilled technicians meticulously handle gametes and embryos in prescribed manners, extensive research has rened culture media formulations to cater to the changing metabolic needs of gametes and embryos, and commercial manufacturers have produced specialized equipment to meet the specic needs of cells in ART. ough approached from dierent perspectives, the commonality between these advancements is the pursuit of minimizing external stresses imposed upon gametes and embryos due to articial manipulation within the in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory. Environmental and intracellular factors inuenced by these manipulations, such as osmotic imbalances, shis in temperature, mechanical stress, and pH uctuations, can all have negative eects 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.
