Embryotoxicity of IVF Disposable Devices

The success of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) relies on strict control of environmental conditions to optimize in vitro embryo development (Wale & Gardner, 2016; Cairo Consensus Group, 2020). However, a combination of environmental pollutants, chemical residues, and physical factors poses a significant threat to embryonic viability and long-term health (Scarica et al., 2022).

The widespread use of disposable devices in IVF has raised concerns about their potential embryotoxic effects. These materials can leach various substances into the culture media (McDonald et al., 2008; Olivieri et al., 2012; Gatimel et al., 2016; Togola et al., 2021) and release volatile organic compounds that accumulate in incubators, potentially altering culture conditions (Cohen et al., 1997; Mortimer et al., 2018; Vardhan & Shukla, 2018; Chu et al., 2020). While human embryos exhibit plasticity and self-correction mechanisms (Ramos-Ibeas et al., 2019; Coticchio et al., 2021), exposure to these contaminants may have both immediate and long-term consequences (Fernández-González et al., 2004; Alonso-Magdalena et al., 2010; Chianese et al., 2018; Kouakou et al., 2023).

In this presentation, Dr. Lucie Delaroche will review the embryotoxicity tests currently used by manufacturers to assess the safety of disposable IVF devices. She will discuss their strengths and limitations, highlighting the fact that these tests are typically performed on individual consumables. However, during an IVF procedure, multiple disposable devices—often dozens—are used in a single attempt for the same couple. To address this gap, Dr. Delaroche will present her research on evaluating the cumulative toxicity of IVF consumables, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive assessment approach.