Red blood cells as intelligent antioxidant carriers to rescue sperm in in vitro fertilization (IVF): A hypothesis

Abstract

In vitro fertilization (IVF) success is often limited by reactive oxygen species (ROS) that impair sperm motility and DNA integrity, necessitating innovative antioxidant delivery strategies. We propose using erythrocytes or ghost erythrocytes as biocompatible carriers for glutathione to mitigate oxidative stress during the 48-hour IVF window. Glutathione-loaded RBCs, prepared via hypotonic lysis, could provide sustained release, protecting sperm from ROS while leveraging erythrocytes' natural abundance and potential stabilizing effects (e.g., oxygen regulation). Experimental validation will assess loading efficiency, release kinetics, and sperm function improvements via HPLC, CASA, and TUNEL assays. This approach promises enhanced fertilization rates, reduced IVF cycles, and scalability, though challenges like erythrocyte stability and separation require optimization. Future advancements, including hydrogel encapsulation and microfluidic integration, could further refine its efficacy. This hypothesis offers a novel, biologically inspired solution to elevate IVF outcomes, warranting empirical investigation.