Semen treatment device

Abstract

The utility model provides a seminal fluid treatment device which comprises a base, a seminal fluid injection port arranged at the first end of the base, a sperm recovery pool arranged at the second end of the base, a seminal fluid storage bin and a sperm upstream channel, the seminal fluid storage bin and the sperm upstream channel are arranged in the base, and the first end of the seminal fluid storage bin is communicated with the seminal fluid injection port. The second end of the semen storage bin is communicated with the first end of the sperm upstream channel, the second end of the sperm upstream channel is communicated with the sperm recovery pool, and the first end and the second end of the sperm upstream channel are both provided with filter membranes. According to the utility model, on the basis of the characteristic that sperms swim upwards, centrifugal operation is not needed in the semen treatment process, so that the damage to sperm DNA and organelles is reduced to the greatest extent; the operation process is simple and rapid, the technical requirements for operators are low, and standardization is easier; in addition, less culture medium is needed in the operation process, a centrifugal machine and the like do not need to be purchased, and the use cost is low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the fields of medical and biological technology, and in particular to a semen processing device. Background Technology

[0002] In vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is a crucial method for treating infertility. A key step in the IVF-ET process is semen processing. The main purposes of semen processing are sperm capacitation and sperm selection. Conventional semen processing methods include the swim-up method and density gradient centrifugation, but these methods inevitably require centrifugation (centrifugal force 300-500g). Numerous studies have demonstrated that centrifugation during semen processing increases damage to sperm DNA and organelles, thus affecting the efficiency and clinical outcomes of IVF-ET. Therefore, how to achieve sperm capacitation, recover high-quality sperm, and minimize sperm damage from centrifugation during semen processing is a critical issue that embryology laboratories must consider. Thus, a simple, efficient semen processing device that does not rely on centrifugation is essential for improving the efficiency of IVF-ET and enhancing clinical outcomes. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of the aforementioned background technology by providing a device that eliminates the need for centrifugation, minimizes damage to sperm DNA and organelles, and is easy to operate.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a semen processing device, including a base, a semen injection port disposed at a first end of the base, a sperm recovery pool disposed at a second end of the base, and a semen storage chamber and a sperm upstream channel disposed inside the base. The first end of the semen storage chamber is connected to the semen injection port, the second end of the semen storage chamber is connected to the first end of the sperm upstream channel, and the second end of the sperm upstream channel is connected to the sperm recovery pool. The sperm recovery pool is positioned higher than the semen storage chamber. The sperm upstream channel is inclined, with the second end of the sperm upstream channel positioned higher than the first end. Both the first and second ends of the sperm upstream channel are provided with filter membranes, which have micropores to allow forward-moving sperm to pass through. The semen injection port is used to inject liquefied semen, and culture medium is added to the sperm recovery pool.

[0005] Furthermore, the base is made of biosafety grade plastic, and the semen storage chamber, the sperm recovery pool, and the sperm upstream channel are integrally formed in the base.

[0006] Furthermore, the filter membrane is made of biosafety grade material with a thickness of 50-100 μm and a pore size of 8-15 μm.

[0007] Furthermore, the second end of the base is configured to be higher than the first end.

[0008] Furthermore, the volume of the semen storage chamber is set to 1-2 ml, the length of the sperm upstream channel is set to 2-3 cm, the volume is set to 0.5-1 ml, the angle with the horizontal plane is 40-60°, and the volume of the sperm recovery pool is set to 0.5-1 ml.

[0009] Furthermore, both the semen injection port and the sperm recovery pool are equipped with removable sealing caps.

[0010] Furthermore, the semen injection port is provided with a funnel-shaped structure, which is detachably connected to or integrally formed with the base.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a base plate, on which multiple placement slots are provided, the placement slots matching the bottom contour of the base.

[0012] The above-mentioned solution of this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0013] The semen processing device provided by this utility model, through the arrangement and high-low distribution of the semen injection port, semen storage chamber, sperm upstream channel, and sperm recovery pool on the base, combined with the filter membranes at corresponding positions, can eliminate the need for centrifugation during semen processing based on the upward swimming characteristics of sperm, thus minimizing damage to sperm DNA and organelles; the operation process is simple and quick, with low technical requirements for operators, and is easier to standardize; in addition, the operation requires less culture medium and eliminates the need to purchase centrifuges, resulting in low operating costs;

[0014] Other beneficial effects of this invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 for Figure 1 AA section view;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the base plate structure of this utility model.

[0018] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image]

[0019] 1-Base; 2-Semen injection port; 3-Sperm recovery pool; 4-Semen storage chamber; 5-Sperm upstream channel; 6-Filter membrane; 7-Base plate; 8-Placement tank; 9-Funnel-shaped structure. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the technical problems, solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, a detailed description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a locking connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, an embodiment of this utility model provides a semen processing device, including a base 1, a semen injection port 2 disposed at a first end of the base 1, a sperm recovery tank 3 disposed at a second end of the base 1, and a semen storage chamber 4 and a sperm upstream channel 5 disposed inside the base 1. The first end of the semen storage chamber 4 is connected to the semen injection port 2, the second end of the semen storage chamber 4 is connected to the first end of the sperm upstream channel 5, and the second end of the sperm upstream channel 5 is connected to the sperm recovery tank 3. The sperm recovery tank 3 is positioned higher than the semen storage chamber 4. Inside the base 1, the sperm upstream channel 5 is inclined, meaning the second end of the sperm upstream channel 5 is higher than the first end.

[0024] In addition, filter membranes 6 are provided at the first and second ends of the sperm upstream channel 5. The filter membranes 6 have micropores, and the micropore diameter can be set to 8-15 μm to allow forward-moving sperm to pass through.

[0025] In this embodiment, an appropriate amount of fertilization culture medium is added to the sperm recovery tank 3. Under the influence of gravity, the culture medium fills the sperm recovery tank 3 and the sperm upstream channel 5. The liquefied semen is injected into the semen storage chamber 4 through the semen injection port. Due to the upward swimming characteristic of sperm, the sperm in the sperm storage chamber 4 enters the sperm upstream channel 5 after passing through the filter membrane 6 at the first end of the sperm upstream channel 5, swims upward, and enters the sperm recovery tank 3 after passing through the filter membrane 6 at the second end of the sperm upstream channel 5. The entire device is placed in a CO2 incubator for an appropriate time. Finally, the culture medium in the sperm recovery tank 3 is aspirated, and after evaluating the sperm concentration and motility, in vitro fertilization can be performed.

[0026] It should be noted that, due to the function of the filter membrane 6, combined with the height difference between the semen storage chamber 4 and the sperm recovery pool 3, and the sorting effect of the sperm upstream channel 5, only morphologically normal, rapidly forward-moving sperm can enter the sperm recovery pool 3. Other sperm with poor motility or high abnormality rates, white blood cells, seminal plasma, and microorganisms present in the semen cannot enter the sperm recovery pool 3. Thus, the goal of sperm capacitation and selection can be achieved without centrifugation.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the base 1 is made of biosafety-grade plastic, such as polypropylene, polystyrene, or polycarbonate, with polypropylene being the preferred material. The semen storage chamber 4, sperm recovery pool 3, and sperm upstream channel 5 are integrally formed within the base 1. The use of transparent materials facilitates observation of the various chambers and the interior of the channels. The filter membrane 6 is also made of biosafety-grade material, such as a polycarbonate membrane, with micropores of 8–15 μm in diameter and a thickness of 50–100 μm, allowing the passage of single, linearly moving sperm, as well as the flow of culture medium.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the second end of the base 1 is also positioned higher than the first end, giving the entire device a boot-like appearance. The volume of the semen storage chamber 4 is preferably 1–2 ml. The length of the sperm upstream channel 5 is preferably 2–3 cm, and its volume is preferably 0.5–1 ml, with an angle of 40–60° to the horizontal plane. The volume of the sperm recovery tank 3 is preferably 0.5–1 ml. Since centrifugation is no longer required, the entire device does not need to be tubular, allowing for more direct and stable placement on a table for operation and incubation. Furthermore, the semen storage chamber 4 and sperm recovery tank 3 are integrated units, eliminating the need for nested containers and further improving operational convenience.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the semen injection port 2 and the sperm recovery pool 3 in this embodiment can also be equipped with removable sealing caps to seal the device so that the inside remains clean when not in use, thus avoiding affecting the quality of the sperm.

[0030] As an optional implementation, in this embodiment, a funnel-shaped structure 9 can be further provided at the semen injection port 2. The funnel-shaped structure 9 can be detachably connected to the base 1 or can be integrally set with the base 1, which facilitates the smooth introduction of liquefied semen into the semen storage chamber 4.

[0031] Furthermore, considering that the base's height and shape might not ensure its stability, there's a possibility it could tip over upon contact during operation. Also, if... Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, a base plate 7 can be further provided, with multiple placement slots 8 on the base plate 7. The placement slots 8 match the bottom contour of the base 1. Therefore, during semen processing, the base 1 can be placed on the base plate 7, and the placement slots 8 make the base 1 more stable. This allows for uniform operation, and the base plate 7 can be easily distinguished by markings. When it needs to be placed in an incubator, simply place the entire base plate 7 into the incubator for overall culture of multiple groups.

[0032] In summary, the semen processing device provided in this embodiment, through the arrangement and high / low distribution of the semen injection port 2, semen storage chamber 4, sperm upstream channel 5, and sperm recovery pool 3, combined with the filter membrane 6 at corresponding positions, can eliminate the need for centrifugation during semen processing based on the upward movement characteristics of sperm, thus minimizing damage to sperm DNA and organelles. Furthermore, the operation is simple and quick, requires less technical expertise from the operator, and is easier to standardize. Additionally, the operation requires less culture medium and eliminates the need to purchase centrifuges, resulting in lower operating costs.

[0033] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0034] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A semen handling device, characterized in that The base, the semen injection port arranged at the first end of the base, the sperm recovery pool arranged at the second end of the base, and the semen storage bin and the sperm upstream channel arranged inside the base, the first end of the semen storage bin communicates with the semen injection port, the second end of the semen storage bin communicates with the first end of the sperm upstream channel, the second end of the sperm upstream channel communicates with the sperm recovery pool, the position of the sperm recovery pool is higher than the position of the semen storage bin, the sperm upstream channel is arranged in an inclined manner, the second end of the sperm upstream channel is arranged higher than the first end, the first end and the second end of the sperm upstream channel are both provided with a filter membrane, the filter membrane has micropores and can allow forward-moving sperm to pass through, the semen injection port is used for injecting liquefied semen, and culture solution is added in the sperm recovery pool.

2. A semen handling device according to claim 1, characterised in that The base is made of a plastic of a biological safety level, and the semen storage bin, the sperm recovery pool and the sperm upstream channel are integrally formed in the base.

3. A semen handling device according to claim 1, characterised in that The filter membrane is made of a material of a biological safety level, has a thickness of 50-100 μm, and has micropores with a pore diameter of 8-15 μm.

4. A semen handling device according to claim 1, characterised in that The second end of the base is arranged to be higher than the first end.

5. A semen handling device according to claim 1, wherein The volume of the semen storage bin is arranged to be 1-2 ml, the length of the sperm upstream channel is arranged to be 2-3 cm, the volume is arranged to be 0.5-1 ml, the included angle with the horizontal plane is 40-60°, and the volume of the sperm recovery pool is arranged to be 0.5-1 ml.

6. A semen handling device according to claim 1, characterised in that The semen injection port and the sperm recovery pool are both provided with a detachable sealing cover.

7. A semen handling device according to claim 1, wherein The semen injection port is further provided with a funnel-shaped structure, and the funnel-shaped structure is detachably connected with the base or integrally arranged with the base.

8. A semen handling device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterised in that A bottom plate is further included, a plurality of placement grooves are arranged on the bottom plate, and the bottom plate is matched with the bottom contour of the base. A bottom plate is further included, a plurality of placement grooves are arranged on the bottom plate, and the bottom plate is matched with the bottom contour of the base.

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