JUNO-IZUMO1 Biosensor for Sperm Fertilization Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for male infertility focus on physical aspects of sperm cells, overlooking the crucial biochemical interactions necessary for fertilization, leading to unreliable predictions and unnecessary steps in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) like IVF, which wastes healthy oocytes and resources.
Innovation Solution
A biosensor that utilizes the biochemical interaction between the JUNO protein and sperm surface antigen IZUMO1 to quantify sperm function, mimicking the fertilization process without requiring human oocytes, using an electrochemical and/or optical sensing platform to diagnose male infertility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current diagnostic methods focus on physical aspects of sperm cells (morphology, motility, count), then these parameters can be easily measured, but they fail to provide reliable information on sperm fertilization competence and underlying causes of infertility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified model system that copies the essential fertilization interaction by immobilizing JUNO protein on a sensor surface to detect sperm binding. This copying approach allows measurement of functional sperm competence without requiring actual oocytes, thus improving measurement precision while avoiding the complexity and ethical issues of using human oocytes in diagnostic tests
Solution Approach 2:
The JUNO protein serves as an intermediary that mediates the detection of sperm fertilization competence. Instead of directly measuring complex fertilization processes or using human oocytes as intermediaries, the patent employs JUNO protein as a surrogate mediator that can be immobilized on a sensor surface, enabling reliable functional assessment without the complexity of cell-based assays
2Measurement precision
If human oocytes are used in sperm-oocyte interaction tests to assess fertilization potential, then direct fertilization competence can be measured, but human oocytes are not readily available and the methods cannot be commercialized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential fertilization recognition component (JUNO protein) from the complex oocyte system and immobilizes it on a sensor surface. This extraction allows measurement of sperm fertilization potential without requiring whole human oocytes, making the test commercially viable while maintaining measurement precision through specific protein-sperm interactions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the fertilization interface by immobilizing JUNO protein on a sensor chip, replicating the essential sperm-oocyte recognition event without requiring actual oocytes. This copying enables commercialization while preserving the ability to measure fertilization competence
3Productivity
If IVF is performed without accurate diagnosis of sperm function, then treatment can be initiated, but healthy oocytes are wasted and financial resources are consumed unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of sperm fertilization competence using the JUNO-based biosensor before initiating IVF treatment. This preliminary action identifies patients who truly need IVF versus those who would benefit from simpler treatments, thereby improving ART efficiency and preventing unnecessary oocyte wastage by ensuring IVF is only performed when sperm functional defects are confirmed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides feedback on sperm fertilization competence through the biosensor measurement, enabling clinicians to make informed decisions about appropriate ART strategies. This feedback loop prevents unnecessary IVF procedures by identifying patients whose sperm function is adequate and would not benefit from oocyte-based treatments, thus reducing oocyte wastage
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
Provides a direct insight into sperm fertilization potential, enabling accurate diagnosis of male infertility and optimizing ART techniques like IVF or ICSI, reducing wastage of oocytes and resources.
Implementation Method 1
A biosensor for quantification of sperm function is provided, the biosensor comprising a substrate and a JUNO protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the JUNO protein or fragment thereof is immobilized on the substrate
Implementation Method 2
using an electrochemical and/or optical sensing platform to diagnose male infertility
Implementation Method 3
using an electrochemical and/or optical sensing platform to diagnose male infertility
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a biosensor and applications thereof for the quantification of sperm function. Methods and tools for diagnosis of male infertility are also disclosed herein.