Microfluidic Sperm Separation Device for Oxidative Injury Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sperm separation techniques for infertility treatment are inefficient, often resulting in impaired sperm quality due to centrifugation-induced oxidative injury, contamination with poorly motile sperm and somatic cells, and are costly and time-consuming, limiting accessibility and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a layered structure comprising a first reservoir, a separation layer, and a second reservoir with channels that facilitate selective separation of sperm based on motility, mimicking the natural in vivo process by using a micro-network and physiological buffer, allowing for efficient separation of high-quality sperm without the need for complex equipment or skilled professionals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centrifugation techniques are used for sperm separation, then sperm concentration and DNA integrity are improved, but oxidative injury and iatrogenic damage occur reducing sperm quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical centrifugation with a microfluidic system that uses controlled fluid flow and capillary forces to separate sperm cells. The microfluidic device uses pressure-driven flow through microchannels to achieve separation based on sperm motility and physical properties, eliminating the need for high-speed centrifugation that causes oxidative damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the separation parameters from centrifugal force to fluid flow dynamics. By controlling flow rate, pressure gradient, and microchannel geometry, the system achieves sperm separation based on motility differences without applying the extreme forces of centrifugation that cause oxidative injury
2Quantity of substance
If high density gradient centrifugation is used, then sperm concentration is increased, but sperm quality is impaired due to contamination with poorly motile sperm and somatic cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the separation process into multiple functional zones within the microfluidic device. Different regions of the microchannel structure facilitate separation at different stages, allowing selective retention of motile sperm while excluding poorly motile sperm and somatic cells through controlled flow paths
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the sperm cells' own motility as the separation mechanism. Motile sperm actively swim through the microchannels while non-motile cells and somatic cells are passively filtered out, allowing the sperm to self-select based on their functional capability without external intervention
3Reliability
If centrifugation and multi-step methods are used, then sperm separation is achieved, but the process becomes time-extensive and requires expensive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separation functions into a single integrated microfluidic device. The device combines filtration, motility-based separation, and concentration steps into one continuous process, eliminating the need for multiple discrete centrifugation steps and reducing overall processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical centrifugation with a microfluidic system that achieves separation through controlled fluid flow and capillary forces. This substitution dramatically reduces processing time while maintaining separation effectiveness
4Measurement precision
If professional skills and technician experience are required for sperm selection, then separation accuracy is improved, but the method becomes error-prone and less accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic system performs automated sperm separation based on programmed flow conditions and microchannel geometry. The device self-regulates the separation process through controlled fluid dynamics, eliminating the need for operator skill and experience while maintaining consistent, reproducible results
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or skill-based separation methods with an automated microfluidic system. The microfluidic device uses programmed flow rates, pressure gradients, and channel dimensions to achieve precise separation without requiring technician expertise or experience
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 device enables fast, cost-effective, and efficient separation of high-quality sperm with improved DNA integrity, reducing oxidative stress and increasing the success rate of fertility treatments, while being scalable and accessible for both clinical and home-use applications.
Implementation Method 1
the third layer comprises a plurality of channels configured to provide a fluid communication between the first reservoir and the second reservoir. Furthermore, between the first layer and the second layer a fourth layer adjacent to the third layer is provided, wherein the fourth layer comprises and/or is configured as a separation layer. At least the third and fourth layer are configured to selectively separate the biological sample between the first reservoir and the second reservoir into the first portion and the second portion of the sample
Implementation Method 2
a first layer (10) comprising a first reservoir (12) for receiving the biological sample and for retaining the first portion of the sample
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a medical device and a method for the selective separation of a biological sample of a mammal into a first portion and a second portion. It comprises a first layer comprising a first reservoir for receiving the biological sample and for retaining the first portion of the sample, and a second layer comprising a second reservoir for receiving the second portion of the sample. Between the first layer and the second layer a third layer is provided, wherein the third layer comprises a plurality of channels configured to provide a fluid communication between the first reservoir and the second reservoir. Furthermore, between the first layer and the second layer a fourth layer adjacent to the third layer is provided, wherein the fourth layer comprises and/or is configured as a separation layer. At least the third and fourth layer are configured to selectively separate the biological sample between the first reservoir and the second reservoir into the first portion and the second portion of the sample. According to the invention, the layers are to be understood to be stackable in a substantially vertical plane, forming a three-dimensional layered structure.