CD10-Negative Sperm Selection for Higher-Fitness Fertilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current assisted reproduction techniques (ART) face challenges in selecting a spermatozoid cell population with improved fitness for fertilization, leading to low pregnancy rates and multiple pregnancy risks, while existing sperm diagnostic methods are invasive or lack predictive value.
Innovation Solution
A method for obtaining a spermatozoid cell population enriched in CD10- spermatozoids by contacting the starting population with a CD10-binding agent and isolating spermatozoids that do not bind to it, using techniques like magnetic-activated cell sorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sperm selection is based on traditional morphological and physiological parameters, then the assessment follows established WHO recommendations, but the predictive value for identifying fertile or infertile males is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/morphological assessment methods with molecular biology techniques. Specifically, it uses PCR-based detection of Y chromosome microdeletions and sperm chromatin structure analysis to substitute for conventional semen analysis, providing molecular-level insights into sperm functionality and fertility potential that were previously inaccessible through traditional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces new diagnostic parameters beyond traditional morphology and count. It measures molecular characteristics including Y chromosome microdeletion presence, chromatin packaging integrity, and specific protein markers to create a multidimensional assessment framework that better predicts fertilization success and identifies previously undetected infertility mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If genetic screening (FISH) is used for embryo selection, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but the methodology becomes invasive requiring removal of blastomeres which compromises embryo survival
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and analyzes specific molecular markers (Y chromosome sequences, chromatin structure proteins) from sperm cells without disrupting the embryo. By focusing on detecting specific genetic abnormalities in the sperm before fertilization, it eliminates the need to extract or damage embryonic cells for diagnostic purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs genetic and chromatin analysis on sperm cells before they participate in fertilization. This preliminary screening identifies sperm with genetic abnormalities or poor chromatin packaging, allowing selection of only high-quality sperm for fertilization, thereby preventing the need for subsequent invasive embryo testing
3Productivity
If sperm selection procedures are implemented to improve ART outcome, then pregnancy rates may increase, but most existing procedures result in sample destruction preventing their use during ART
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs selection mechanisms that work with the sperm sample's inherent properties rather than requiring destructive processing. Magnetic beads coated with anti-human sperm antibodies selectively bind to sperm cells, allowing physical separation and concentration of viable sperm without chemical or mechanical destruction of the sample
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic beads as an intermediary agent that facilitates sperm selection without direct destruction. These beads bind to sperm cells through antibody-mediated attachment, enabling magnetic separation and concentration of selected sperm populations while preserving the sperm's biological integrity for subsequent ART procedures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The CD10- spermatozoid-enriched population improves fertilization success, increasing pregnancy rates and reducing multiple pregnancy risks, with enhanced DNA integrity and reduced aneuploidies.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a starting spermatozoid cell population with a CD10-binding agent
Implementation Method 2
using techniques like magnetic-activated cell sorting
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for obtaining a spermatozoid cell population with improved fitness which comprises contacting the starting spermatozoid population with a binding agent recognizing the CD10 biomarker and isolating spermatozoids from the starting population which do not bind to said biomarker. The invention also relates to the spermatozoid cell population, which can be used to fertilize an ovum, and to the embryo obtained. The invention also relates to a method for determining the fitness of sperm for fertilization based on the percentage of the spermatozoid population not carrying the CD10 biomarker.