Low-Sugar Sperm Media for Osmotic Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assisted reproductive technology (ART) methods face challenges in maintaining the viability, motility, and fertility of gametes due to stress and damage during processing, particularly in sex sorting procedures, leading to inefficiencies and high costs, especially for smaller breeders.
Innovation Solution
The use of low sugar media compositions during sperm processing and sorting, which includes specific concentrations of sugar additives, buffers, and organic stress reducing agents, to minimize cellular stress and improve sperm quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional high sugar media are used during sperm processing and sorting, then sperm can be maintained in the media, but sperm motility, viability and fertility are significantly reduced due to osmotic stress and cellular damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sugar concentration parameter in the media from conventional high levels (e.g., 5-10% w/v) to low levels (e.g., 0.1-1% w/v). This parameter change reduces osmotic stress on sperm cells while maintaining media stability and sperm functionality throughout processing and storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces organic stress reducing agents (OSR) as intermediary substances that mediate between the media environment and sperm cells. These OSR compounds reduce cellular stress and protect sperm membranes during processing, enabling better survival and fertility outcomes
2Adaptability or versatility
If sex sorting procedures are performed to enrich desired gender sperm, then gender selection is achieved, but sperm quality and fertility are severely compromised due to multiple harsh processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies low sugar media with organic stress reducing agents before and during sorting procedures to cushion sperm against the harsh effects of processing. This pre-protection strategy maintains sperm integrity through staining, sorting, and collection steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effects of sorting procedures into beneficial outcomes by using low sugar media that reduces stress accumulation. The same processing steps that traditionally damage sperm are performed in a low sugar environment that protects rather than harms the cells
3Duration of action of stationary object
If sperm are frozen for storage to extend availability, then storage duration is increased, but membrane systems are severely damaged and fertility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses low sugar media with organic stress reducing agents as a cushioning environment before freezing. This media formulation protects sperm membranes from freezing damage while enabling long-term storage viability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the media composition parameters (low sugar with OSR) to create an environment that is compatible with freezing and thawing processes, reducing membrane damage and maintaining fertility after storage
4Reliability
If high numbers of sperm are used per AI dose to ensure successful fertilization, then fertilization success is achieved, but cost and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the quality parameters of sperm through low sugar media processing, improving motility, viability and fertility. This enables using fewer sperm per dose while achieving the same fertilization success rate, improving efficiency and reducing costs
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to compositions comprising low sugar media, the methods of using these compositions to reduce trauma and stress on processed animal sperm, the resulting sperm and embryo products, and the methods of use of these products to increase the quality, quantity and viability of progeny and improved rates of births in animals.