Microfluidic Sperm Sorting With Micropore Gravity Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sperm sorting technologies, such as centrifugation-based methods and microfluidics, compromise sperm quality, are labor-intensive, have low throughput, and cannot efficiently select motile, morphologically normal sperm for assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs like IVF/ICSI, due to ROS generation and limited sample volume processing.

Innovation Solution

A micro-macro fluidic system with micropores and gravity-assisted sorting that isolates motile, morphologically normal sperm without centrifugation, using a housing with an inlet, outlet, and a microfluidic system with filters to allow healthy sperm to pass through micropores against gravity, mimicking the female genital tract environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If centrifugation-based sperm sorting techniques are used, then sperm can be sorted by density and motility, but sperm quality is compromised due to ROS generation and DNA damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesperm sorting efficiencyVSAvoidROS generation and DNA damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the centrifugation step from the sperm sorting process, replacing it with a centrifugation-free density gradient separation method that avoids ROS generation and DNA damage while maintaining sorting efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a specialized gradient medium as an intermediary substance that enables density-based sperm separation without mechanical centrifugation, thereby protecting sperm from oxidative stress and mechanical damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If microfluidic-based sperm sorting is used, then small volume samples can be precisely handled, but throughput is very low and cannot process normal semen volumes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesperm sample handling precisionVSAvoidsample processing throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sorting process into multiple parallel channels within a single device, allowing simultaneous processing of multiple samples or larger volumes while maintaining the precision benefits of microfluidic technology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional microfluidic channels to a three-dimensional gradient separation system that accommodates larger sample volumes while maintaining precise control over separation conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If centrifugation-based swim-up technique is used, then motile sperm can be separated, but the process is labor intensive and outcomes vary between technicians

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotile sperm separationVSAvoidtechnician dependency and labor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables sperm sorting to occur automatically through density gradient separation in a controlled medium, where sperm self-separate based on their intrinsic density and motility properties without requiring manual intervention or technician skill variation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the separation medium (density gradient composition, viscosity, chemical composition) to create optimal conditions for automatic sperm separation, eliminating dependence on technician expertise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system efficiently selects healthy sperm with minimal ROS generation and DNA fragmentation, enabling high throughput and real-time analysis, suitable for clinical applications in ARTs.

Implementation Method 1

a filter having a plurality of micropores to restrict movement of the sperm through the filter using gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The microfluidic system also includes a filter including a plurality of micropores and arranged in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet to cause sperm traveling along the flow path to move against the filter and gravity to reach the outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12517030B2System and method for sperm sorting

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 THE BRIGHAM & WOMEN S HOSPITAL INC

AI summary

A system and method for sorting sperm is provided. The system includes a housing and a microfluidic system supported by the housing. The system also includes an inlet providing access to the microfluidic system to deliver sperm to the microfluidic system and an outlet providing access to the microfluidic system to harvest sorted sperm from the microfluidic system. The microfluidic system provides a flow path for sperm from the inlet to the outlet and includes at least one channel extending from the inlet to the outlet to allow sperm delivered to the microfluidic system through the inlet to progress along the flow path toward the outlet. The microfluidic system also includes a filter including a first plurality of micropores arranged in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet to cause sperm traveling along the flow path to move against through the filter and gravity to reach the outlet.