Microfluidics Sperm Isolation and Automated ICSI Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technologies rely on manual control, leading to human error and oocyte damage due to lack of control and deformation during the injection process, with approximately 10% of injected oocytes being destroyed.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidics system and method for isolating individual sperm from a semen sample using laminar flow channels and valves, and an automated system for detecting the orientation of an oocyte and its polar body, allowing for precise control and reduced human error during ICSI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control is used during ICSI injection, then the operator can visually observe the injection process, but human error occurs and oocyte damage results due to lack of control and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated robotic micromanipulator system that uses computer vision and control algorithms to perform ICSI injection. The system substitutes human operator control with automated mechanical control, eliminating human error while maintaining precise visual observation through integrated microscopy and image processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback control by continuously monitoring the injection process through microscope imaging and using this visual information to adjust the microneedle position and injection parameters automatically. The system processes images in real-time to detect oocyte deformation and adjusts injection force accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents oocyte damage.
2Productivity
If a microneedle is introduced for injection, then sperm can be deposited within the oocyte, but damage occurs to the zona pellucida and oolemma due to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the microneedle insertion process, where the injection speed, depth, and force are continuously adjusted in real-time based on feedback from visual monitoring. The system transitions from static, fixed-parameter injection to dynamic, adaptive injection that responds to oocyte deformation in real-time, minimizing mechanical damage while maintaining successful sperm delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pre-injection preparation steps including oocyte stabilization using holding pipettes and preliminary positioning to prevent excessive movement during needle insertion. The system also uses controlled suction and pressure application before injection to stabilize the oocyte structure, cushioning it against potential damage from the microneedle penetration.
3Loss of information
If visual observation alone is used for tracking injection, then the process can be monitored, but sufficient control is lacking leading to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual-based control with an automated computer vision system that processes microscope images through algorithms to automatically determine microneedle position, oocyte boundaries, and injection parameters. This substitution transforms visual information into automated control signals, eliminating the gap between observation and action that causes human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-control by automatically adjusting injection parameters based on its own visual feedback without human intervention. The computer vision system processes images, detects oocyte deformation, and autonomously modifies injection force and speed, making the control system self-regulating and eliminating reliance on human operator skill and attention.
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 microfluidics system effectively isolates and immobilizes individual sperm, while the automated oocyte orientation system reduces human error and potential oocyte damage, improving the success rate of ICSI procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a first laminar flow channel extending between a first inlet and a first outlet; a second laminar flow channel extending between a second inlet and a second outlet
Implementation Method 2
flow of a semen sample through the first laminar flow channel at a pressure higher than flow of a liquid medium through the second laminar flow channel
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to methods and systems for isolating individual sperm from a semen sample using microfluidics. Examples include a microfluidics system for isolating individual sperm from a semen sample, the system including: a first laminar flow channel extending between a first inlet and a first outlet; a second laminar flow channel extending between a second inlet and a second outlet; and a third laminar flow channel extending between the first and second laminar flow channels and having a restriction configured to prevent passage of a single sperm through the third laminar flow channel, wherein flow of a semen sample through the first laminar flow channel at a pressure higher than flow of a liquid medium through the second laminar flow channel results in a single sperm being trapped by the restriction in the third laminar flow channel.