Phenol Red is a pH indicator used to monitor media conditions, but it does not directly support embryo development. Because Phenol Red has been reported to exhibit weak estrogen-like activity, there has been concern that it could potentially influence embryo development or cellular processes. However, no studies have conclusively demonstrated any negative effects on embryos or IVF outcomes. Despite the lack of evidence for harm, the potential risk, combined with the limited value of Phenol Red in culture systems, has led Nidacon to exclude it as a precautionary measure.
With today’s IVF laboratory technologies, is a visual pH indicator still essential, or could a Phenol Red-free medium be the better choice?
Sciorio, R., & Rinaudo, P. (2023). Culture conditions in the IVF laboratory: state of the ART and possible new directions. Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics, 40(11), 2591–2607. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-023-02934-5