Research

Isopropyl Alcohol Infiltration in Modern IVF Labs: A Review of Persistent Airborne Toxins

A peer-reviewed poster abstract presented at the ASRM Annual Scientific Congress, October 2024, examining isopropyl alcohol infiltration as a persistent airborne toxin in modern IVF laboratories. Isopropyl alcohol is widely used as a disinfectant in clinical and laboratory environments and generates airborne VOC contamination that can infiltrate IVF incubator environments and culture media. The study reviews the persistence of IPA in the IVF laboratory air environment and its potential impact on embryo culture conditions and outcomes, contributing to the growing evidence base for maintaining VOC levels well below current clinical thresholds in fertility medicine. Presented at ASRM Annual Scientific Congress, October 2024. Authors: Orsolini, M.; Schenkman, E.; Russack, J.; Huynh, H.; Schust, D.; Raburn, D.; Worrilow, K.C.; Fox, J.T.

Research

In Vivo Gamete Toxicology in the Context of In Vitro Fertilization: A Narrative Review

A peer-reviewed narrative review published in F&S Reviews, Volume 6, Issue 1, June 2025, examining the role of environmental toxicology in impairing in vivo fertility and gamete quality prior to IVF treatment. The review evaluates how pre-IVF exposure to environmental contaminants — including heavy metals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), persistent organic pollutants, and airborne contaminants including VOCs — may impair gamete potential and downstream IVF success rates. The authors provide a comprehensive reference of toxicological exposures for IVF clinicians, drawing on in vitro, animal, and human correlative data to identify potential causative mechanisms and strengthen the case for routine patient toxicological risk assessment before IVF treatment. Published in F&S Reviews, Volume 6, Issue 1, June 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.xfnr.2025.100090. Authors: Orsolini, M.; Russack, J.; Huynh, H.; Raburn, D.; Fox, J.; Schust, D.

Research

Predicting Airborne Volatile Organic Compound Transport in Highly Sensitive In Vitro Processes and Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Facilities with Kinetic Models

A peer-reviewed study published in Applied In Vitro Toxicology, Volume 11, Issue 4, 2025, presenting kinetic models for predicting the transport of airborne volatile organic compounds into cell culture systems in highly sensitive in vitro processes and biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. Building on prior equilibrium partitioning modeling work, this study addresses a fundamental knowledge gap regarding the rate of VOC partitioning into cell cultures — critical for understanding how airborne contamination affects both IVF embryo culture outcomes and cell and gene therapy manufacturing processes. The models demonstrate how VOC transport rates from ambient air into culture media can be predicted and managed, with direct implications for air quality standards in IVF laboratories and biopharmaceutical cleanrooms. Published in Applied In Vitro Toxicology, Volume 11, Issue 4, 2025. Authors: Russack, J.S.; Fox, J.T.; Huynh, H.T.; Worrilow, K.C.; Brown, D.G.

Research

Low-Level Volatile Organic Compounds Disrupt Embryo Morphokinetics and Development in Murine Preimplantation Embryos

A peer-reviewed poster abstract published in Fertility and Sterility, October 2024, examining the impact of low-level volatile organic compounds on embryo morphokinetics and development in murine preimplantation embryos. Current IVF guidelines recommend maintaining VOC levels between 400 and 800 ppb, yet this study presents emerging evidence that VOCs below that threshold can adversely affect specific metrics of embryogenesis. Using time-lapse analysis, the study assessed the impact of low-level VOC exposure on developmental timing across multiple embryo stages. The findings strengthen the scientific rationale for maintaining VOC concentrations well below current clinical thresholds in IVF laboratory environments. Published in Fertility and Sterility, October 2024. Authors: Orsolini, M.; Schenkman, E.; Russack, J.S.; Huynh, H.T.; Schust, D.J.; Worrilow, K.C.; Fox, J.T.

Research

Modeling the equilibrium partitioning of low concentrations of airborne volatile organic compounds in human IVF laboratories

A peer-reviewed study published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online examining the equilibrium partitioning behavior of volatile organic compounds at low concentrations in human IVF laboratory environments. Using mathematical modeling, the study investigates how airborne VOCs at trace concentrations distribute between the gas phase and biological media including culture media and embryonic cells, demonstrating the potential for molecular-level chemical contamination of the embryo culture environment. The findings support the clinical rationale for comprehensive VOC remediation in IVF laboratories as a necessary component of embryo protection. Published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online, May 2022. Authors: Fox, J.T.; Ni, P.; Urrutia, A.R.; Huynh, H.T.; Worrilow, K.C.

Research

Modeling of airborne embryonic volatile compounds (VOCs) in the IVF culture environment – their concomitant cytotoxic concentration within the growth media and embryo.

A peer-reviewed conference abstract published in Fertility and Sterility, Volume 112, Issue 3, presenting early modeling research on the behavior of airborne volatile organic compounds in IVF culture environments. Using equilibrium partitioning models, the study demonstrates how airborne VOCs partition from the air phase through the oil cover layer into water-based culture media and into or onto the embryo itself, reaching cytotoxic concentrations even at low ambient air concentrations. Seven VOCs — including acrolein, formaldehyde, phenol, toluene, acetaldehyde, ethanol, and isopropanol — were identified as of particular concern to embryologists and clinicians. This conference abstract preceded the full peer-reviewed publication in Reproductive BioMedicine Online in 2022. Published in Fertility and Sterility, 2019; 112(3):E122-E123. Authors: Worrilow, K.C.; Urrutia, A.R.; Huynh, H.T.; Fox, J.T.