Fertulity IVF
Fertulity IVF

Zymot Sperm Sorting Innovative Method for Selecting Healthy Sperm

What is Zymot Sperm Sorting?

Zymot Sperm Sorting is an advanced microfluidic technology used in IVF labs to select the healthiest and most motile sperm.It is a microdevice — also known as a “chip” — applied during the preparation of the semen sample before Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). The function of Zymot is based on the ability of sperm to actively move through a semi-permeable membrane that filters the highest-quality cells, mimicking the natural fertilization process that occurs in the female reproductive system.This technology emphasizes motility, a critical factor for successful fertilization, without requiring centrifugation.
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How the Zymot Microfluidic Device Works

Mimicking the natural journey of sperm toward the egg

Zymot technology is based on an innovative microfluidic approach that simulates the natural environment of the female reproductive system. During the process, the semen sample is placed into a specialized device — the Zymot chip — which contains a micro-maze functioning as a selection filter. Sperm must navigate this “pathway” similarly to how they naturally travel during conception. Only the healthiest, with good morphology and high motility, manage to pass through successfully, eliminating the less functional cells.

Simple, safe, and targeted selection of quality sperm

The Zymot procedure is simple, non-invasive, and sperm-friendly, with no need for centrifugation or chemical processing. This minimizes mechanical and oxidative risks that may compromise genetic integrity. The result is the natural selection of the best fertilization candidates, which are then used in assisted reproduction treatments like IVF and ICSI. Thanks to its high precision and effectiveness, Zymot helps improve success rates and embryo quality.

The Process in Our Laboratory Step-by-Step

Step 1Sample collection

The process begins with semen sample collection by the male partner, either in the clinic’s specially designated room or at home, following strict hygiene and transport timing guidelines. The quality of the sample is crucial to successful processing, so it is immediately analyzed by the lab for sperm concentration, motility, and morphology.If the sample meets the minimum requirements — at least 1 million progressively motile sperm/ml — it proceeds to the Zymot preparation phase.

Step 2Chip loading

Once the sample is deemed suitable, it is carefully loaded into the Zymot device, also known as the chip. The chip contains a microfluidic maze that mimics the natural obstacles sperm encounter on their way to the egg. The sample is loaded with precision and without centrifugation or other invasive techniques. It is placed on a heated lab plate to ensure stable temperature and preserve cell viability throughout the procedure

Step 3 30-minute incubation without centrifugation

The sample is left to incubate inside the chip for about 30 minutes, without any mechanical stress. During this phase, only the healthiest and most motile sperm are able to pass through the microfluidic system, reaching the desired final collection area.This gentle and natural selection method replaces traditional artificial interventions, protecting the cells from DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress. Inactivity during this step is intentional, allowing cells to move freely and spontaneously.

Step 4 Collection of selected sperm fraction

After incubation, lab specialists collect the sperm fraction that successfully passed through the device. These cells demonstrate superior quality characteristics and are immediately used for the ICSI procedure. The collection is done with precision and care, without altering the structure or functionality of the sperm. The final result is a clean, quality-filtered sample, ready to enhance fertilization success and contribute to the creation of viable embryos.

Could Zymot Be Right for Me?

The use of Zymot technology requires specific quality criteria in the semen sample. Specifically, a minimum concentration of 1 million progressively motile sperm per milliliter is required. If the sample has very low motility or an insufficient sperm count, Zymot is not suitable, and the classic sperm preparation method is preferred for ICSI. Proper evaluation is always performed on the day of treatment by a specialized embryologist to ensure safety and appropriateness.

When and how the final evaluation for Zymot use is made

If the couple requests the use of Zymot, the final decision is made on the day of ICSI. The embryologist examines the sample in real-time and assesses whether the minimum motility requirements are met for device use.If the sample is not suitable and the procedure cannot proceed with Zymot, the clinic applies the standard sperm preparation method at no additional cost.Moreover, any financial charge for the Zymot device is fully refunded, offering transparency and respect to couples who responsibly choose their reproductive path.

The suitability of the method depends on specific parameters of the sample. Ask our expert team for an evaluation — no obligation.

Key Benefits for the Couple & the Embryo

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Improved motility & morphology

Zymot technology allows for the selection of sperm with higher motility and better morphological traits, both critical for successful fertilization.The microfluidic process naturally filters sperm exhibiting dynamic movement and normal shape, without external interventions like centrifugation.The result is the use of biologically superior cells, increasing the chances of successful egg penetration and healthy embryo development.For couples facing male infertility issues, the ability to select higher-quality sperm through Zymot is a decisive factor in treatment.

Higher clinical pregnancy rates

The use of higher-quality sperm — as selected by the Zymot chip — is linked to higher embryo implantation and pregnancy rates.By selecting cells with reduced DNA fragmentation and greater functionality, the risk of genetic abnormalities or early miscarriages is reduced.The improved quality of genetic material used in ICSI leads to more stable embryo development and a greater likelihood of a successful pregnancy.For couples aiming for the best possible IVF outcome, Zymot is a significant and scientifically supported option.

Fewer time-consuming lab steps

Zymot is a simple, fast, and automated process that reduces the number of time-consuming sperm processing stages in the lab.Unlike traditional methods involving multiple centrifugation and manual steps, Zymot enables natural sperm selection in a single step — in about 30 minutes.This saves time for the scientific team and minimizes interventions in the genetic material, reducing the risk of damage or error.Simplifying the process enhances result consistency and improves the couple’s overall experience during treatment.

Could Zymot Be Right for Me?

The use of Zymot technology requires specific quality criteria in the semen sample. Specifically, a minimum concentration of 1 million progressively motile sperm per milliliter is required.If the sample has very low motility or an insufficient sperm count, Zymot is not suitable, and the classic sperm preparation method is preferred for ICSI.Proper evaluation is always performed on the day of treatment by a specialized embryologist to ensure safety and appropriateness.

When and how the final evaluation for Zymot use is made

If the couple requests the use of Zymot, the final decision is made on the day of ICSI. The embryologist examines the sample in real-time and assesses whether the minimum motility requirements are met for device use.If the sample is not suitable and the procedure cannot proceed with Zymot, the clinic applies the standard sperm preparation method at no additional cost.Moreover, any financial charge for the Zymot device is fully refunded, offering transparency and respect to couples who responsibly choose their reproductive path.
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Is Zymot Effective?

Zymot is an innovative sperm selection technology that has gained the attention of scientific and clinical teams in recent years.Although still relatively new, initial studies published between 2017 and 2020 show promising results.Specifically, sperm selected through the Zymot device exhibit significantly improved quality characteristics compared to traditional methods — such as higher overall motility, better morphology, and notably reduced DNA fragmentation. While the total number of sperm collected is lower, their quality appears to be superior, enhancing the technique’s potential in assisted reproduction.

At the clinical outcome level, an increased likelihood of clinical pregnancy is reported when Zymot is used in sperm preparation for ICSI, compared to conventional methods.Despite encouraging findings, it's important to note that available studies remain limited and include heterogeneous data, with some limitations in statistical reliability.At our clinic, scientists are fully trained in using Zymot, and we’ve recorded successful fertilizations, healthy embryos, and confirmed pregnancies.

The decision to use the method is always based on sample evaluation on the treatment day, ensuring it is applied only when truly indicated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zymot Sperm Sorting

How long does Zymot take in total?

The Zymot process is fast and efficient. In total, from loading the sample into the chip to collecting the selected sperm, the process takes about 30–40 minutes. This includes incubation, performed without invasive techniques like centrifugation, and careful sample handling by the scientific staff.The method’s speed allows the ICSI process to proceed immediately without delay, maintaining stable conditions and cell viability.

Can Zymot be used in natural or mild IVF cycles?

Zymot is primarily used in ICSI cycles, where the best sperm need to be selected for injection into the egg. However, in some cases, it may be applied in simpler IVF cycles or embryology evaluations. The final decision is always made by the responsible embryologist based on the sample’s characteristics and the selected treatment type.Use in these cycles is not yet universally established but is assessed individually.

Is Zymot suitable for sperm donors or frozen samples?

Zymot can be used with donor sperm or frozen/thawed samples under specific conditions.The key requirement is a sufficient number of progressively motile sperm in the post-thaw sample.If the frozen sample is of high quality, Zymot can further enhance the selection of optimal cells, improving final treatment outcomes.Its use in donors is also a strategic option, especially when maximum safety and quality are desired.

Is Zymot used in cases of unexplained infertility?

Unexplained infertility often poses challenges in selecting treatment.Zymot can be a supportive tool in such cases, as it selects sperm with optimal characteristics even when basic analyses show normal parameters.By naturally selecting cells with reduced DNA fragmentation and better morphology, Zymot may enhance fertilization success in cases where no clear cause of infertility is found.It is always evaluated case-by-case by the medical and embryology staff.

Our Doctors

In an era where fertility requires knowledge, care, and substantial guidance, FertUlity is not an impersonal clinic. It is two people who look you in the eye and accompany you step by step on the journey you dream of.

Dr. Maria Oikonomou Obstetrician – Gynecologist

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Dr. Chrysostomos (Makis) Papadopoulos Obstetrician – Gynecologist, MD, PhDc, MIC I

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