Abstract
Research question
Can volatile organic compounds (VOC) be modelled in an IVF clinical setting?
Design
The study performed equilibrium modelling of low concentrations of airborne VOC partitioning
from the air phase into the oil cover layer into the water-based culture media and
into/onto the embryo (air–oil–water–embryo). The air-phase VOC were modelled based
on reported VOC concentrations found in modern assisted reproductive technology (ART)
suites, older IVF clinics, and hospitals, as well as at 10 parts per billion (ppb)
and 100 ppb for all compounds. The modelling was performed with 23 documented healthcare-specific
VOC.
Results
Based on the partitioning model, seven compounds (acrolein, formaldehyde, phenol,
toluene, acetaldehyde, ethanol and isopropanol) should be of great concern to the
embryologist and clinician. Acrolein, formaldehyde, phenol, toluene and acetaldehyde
are the VOC with the most potent cytotoxic factor and the highest toxic VOC concentration
in media. In addition, ethanol and isopropanol are routinely found in the greatest
air-phase concentrations and modelled to have the highest water-based culture concentrations.
Conclusions
The results of the equilibrium partitioning modelling of VOC provides a fundamental
understanding of how airborne VOC partition from the air phase and negatively influence
human IVF outcomes. The results presented here are based on the theoretical model
and the values presented have not yet been measured in a laboratory or clinical setting.
High air-phase concentrations and toxic concentrations of VOC in culture media are
likely indicators of poor clinical outcomes. Based on this model, improved air quality
in IVF laboratories reduces the chemical burden imparted on embryos, which supports
findings of improved IVF outcomes with reduced air-phase VOC concentrations.
Keywords
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Biography
John Fox, PhD, PE, is an associate professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA. John received his BS in civil engineering from the Virginia Military Institute and earned his MS and PhD in environmental engineering from the Pennsylvania State University.
Key message
Equilibrium partitioning modelling of volatile organic compounds (VOC) provides fundamental understanding of how airborne VOC partition from the air phase and negatively influence human IVF outcomes. Based on the partitioning model, seven compounds (acrolein, formaldehyde, phenol, toluene, acetaldehyde, ethanol and isopropanol) should be of great concern to the embryologist and clinician.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 16, 2022
Accepted:
May 8,
2022
Received in revised form:
April 29,
2022
Received:
November 9,
2021
Declaration: The authors report no financial or commercial conflicts of interest.Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Reproductive Healthcare Ltd.
