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After assessing the quality, oocyte and sperms are prepared for the desired fertility treatment. In vitro fertilization (IVF), Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and Intracytoplasmic morphologically-selected sperm injection (IMSI) are reproductive technologies for fertility treatment of humans and animals. Especially ICSI and IMSI require high resolution and high contrast microscopes, equipped with micromanipulation. The procedure is usually carried out in a petri dish sitting on a heated microscope stage glass insert. ICSI has a higher fertilization probability rate than IVF. Therefore, in many regions and countries ICSI is the preferred ART method.

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

  • eggs are harvested and incubated
  • unselected sperm cells are added
  • both are left together (in vitro) for several days
  • healthy, mobile sperm cells actively fertilize the eggs
  • embryos are transferred into the uterus

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

  • eggs are harvested and incubated
  • the oocyte is stabilized by a holding pipette
  • a glass micropipette is used to collect a single sperm
  • the unselected sperm cell is immobilized by cutting its tail with the point of the micropipette
  • the oocyte is pierced through the membrane (oolemma) and the sperm is directed to the inner part of the oocyte (cytoplasm)
  • the sperm is then released into the oocyte
  • cellular structures such as the zona pellucida and polar body of the egg cell must be clearly visible

Intracytoplasmic morphologically-selected sperm injection (IMSI)

  • eggs are harvested and incubated
  • morphological selection of a healthy egg with an inverted microscope
  • the oocyte is stabilized by a holding pipette
  • semen analysis with an upright microscope
  • morphological selection of a healthy sperm cell with an inverted microscope with high magnifications, DIC contrast with oil immersion objectives
  • a glass micropipette is used to immobilize the selected sperm by cutting its tail
  • the oocyte is pierced through the membrane (oolemma) and the sperm is directed to the inner part of the oocyte (cytoplasm)
  • the sperm is then released into the oocyte
  • cellular structures such as the zona pellucida and polar body of the egg cell must be clearly visible
  • shape and vacuole count of the sperm cells must be assessed

Application Images

IVF, reproductive medicine, Axio Observer, Narishige micromanipulation
IVF, reproductive medicine, Axio Observer, Narishige micromanipulation
Fertilization, assisted reproductive technology, ICSI, oocyte, Axio Observer, Narishige micromanipulation
Fertilization, assisted reproductive technology, ICSI, oocyte, Axio Observer, Narishige micromanipulation
ICSI: Oocyte with Zona pellucida PlasDIC
ICSI: Oocyte with Zona pellucida PlasDIC

Recommended Products for Fertilization

ZEISS Axio Vert.A1
Axio Vert.A1 is perfectly suited as basis for a standard ICSI system. This compact inverted microscope is particularly impressive in terms of its price-performance ratio. Choose your preferred micromanipulation system since the system is compatible with all common models. Even laser-assisted hatching or embryo biopsies for PGD/PGS can be performed, e.g. with Hamilton Thorne's laser system. Use all relevant contrasting techniques : with Axio Vert.A1 you have access to PlasDIC, iHMC, phase contrast and DIC - ideal for routine IVF/ICSI and even IMSI. Plus, Axio Vert.A1 fits completely inside your laminar flow box.

ZEISS Axio Observer
For successful ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), clearly visible structures such as the zona pellucida and polar body of the egg cell are essential. With IMSI (Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection), you can also assess the shape and vacuole count of the sperm cells. In borderline cases, several contrast techniques have to be possible that can deliver scientifically unambiguous, high-contrast images. Axio Observer provides all relevant contrasting techniques in one single stand. HMC, PlasDIC and DIC are all possible. Additionally, you can combine phase contrast with all methods. Axio Observer is readily compatible with all major laser systems to perform laser-assisted hatching or embryo biopsies for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). This future proof microscope leaves nothing to be desired.