PIXI (Physiologically Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is an improved version of the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) method used in assisted reproductive technologies. The main difference between PIXIE and ICSI is the method of selection of spermatozoa used for injection into the egg.
In PIXIE, spermatozoa undergo an additional selection stage before injection. This stage involves the use of hyaluronic acid, a natural compound that is present in the egg shell. Spermatozoa capable of binding to hyaluronic acid are believed to have a higher ability to fertilize.
This is how the PIXIE procedure is performed:
- Sperm preparation: The sperm of a partner or donor is prepared in the laboratory.
- Selection of spermatozoa using hyaluronic acid: The spermatozoa are mixed with a solution of hyaluronic acid. Only spermatozoa that have receptors for hyaluronic acid will bind to it.
- Injection of selected spermatozoa: Spermatozoa bound to hyaluronic acid are selected and injected into the cytoplasm of the egg using a thin needle.
- Embryo cultivation: Fertilized eggs are cultured in the laboratory until the embryo stage, and if they develop normally, they can be used for implantation.
PIXI is used to increase the chances of fertilization and obtaining good-quality embryos, especially in cases where previous ICSI cycles were unsuccessful or when there is a problem of male infertility related to sperm quality.
