Featured publication · 2026
Multiple selection mechanisms. One simple step.
Inspired by the natural journey sperm take through the female reproductive tract, Affinyx combines microchannels with biomarker-based selection in one device, recovering higher-quality sperm for IVF.
See what motility misses.
The Affinyx microfluidic device combines microchannels with biomarker-based selection in one pathway.
Not all damage
is visible.
Motility and morphology are important in sperm assessment and preparation. They show how sperm move and appear. They cannot, by themselves, identify DNA fragmentation or apoptosis-associated changes at the sperm membrane.
Sperm may therefore appear suitable under routine assessment while carrying damage that is not visible through movement or morphology alone.
Channel. Capture. Collect.
The published Affinyx research device combines microchannel geometry with two spatially distinct surface regions.
- 01
Microfluidic channels
Sample enters the microchannels to select motile sperm.
- 02
Biomarker capture
Sperm displaying externalised phosphatidylserine, a biological marker of DNA damage, are held on the capture surface.
- 03
Progesterone cue
Sperm that pass the capture region respond to a progesterone gradient that guides them toward the outlet, where they are collected.
- 01
Microfluidic channels
Sample enters the microchannels to select motile sperm.
- 02
Biomarker capture
Sperm displaying externalised phosphatidylserine, a biological marker of DNA damage, are held on the capture surface.
- 03
Progesterone cue
Sperm that pass the capture region respond to a progesterone gradient that guides them toward the outlet, where they are collected.
Better DNA integrity
Of the sperm recovered after conventional swim-up, 12% ± 4% showed DNA fragmentation; in the same biological samples the Affinyx research device showed just 0.6% ± 0.5%.
Designed for the
embryology laboratory.
Affinyx is translating the published research architecture into a manufacturable, single-use device intended for a familiar input-to-collection workflow.
The commercial device and operating protocol remain in development.
Research behind the technology.
Peer-reviewed work from the researchers developing the Affinyx approach.
Science across
disciplines.
Affinyx brings together expertise in reproductive immunology, embryology, surface science, product development and commercialisation.
Stephen Blakeney
CEO and Managing Director
Prof Sarah Robertson
Chief Scientific Officer
Dr Nicole McPherson
Head of Clinical Embryology
Dr David Sharkey
Principal Scientist
Dr Soraya Rasi Ghaemi
Advisor, Surface Chemistry
Pankaj Upadhyay
Head of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs
Prof Krasi Vasilev
Advisor, Surface Engineering