Movable Closure Member Sperm Separation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sperm processing methods for assisted reproductive technologies, such as density gradient centrifugation and swim-up methods, are complex, time-consuming, and prone to human error, leading to DNA damage and inefficiencies in separating motile sperm from seminal plasma, which can impact fertility outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that introduce a semen sample into a first volume adjacent to a buffer solution, using a movable closure member to form a fluid communication aperture, allowing motile sperm to migrate into the buffer solution while reducing processing time and minimizing exposure to harmful seminal plasma constituents, and incorporating visual analysis for quality control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If density gradient centrifugation or swim-up methods are used to separate motile sperm from seminal plasma, then sperm separation is achieved, but processing time is extended and DNA damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the processing system into distinct compartments (sample chamber, buffer chamber, collection chamber) separated by可控 interfaces. This segmentation allows simultaneous preparation and separation operations, reducing overall processing time while maintaining separation quality through controlled fluid communication between chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the sample in the first chamber and having buffer ready in the second chamber before separation begins. The movable closure member is pre-configured to control fluid communication, allowing immediate initiation of separation without sequential setup steps, thus reducing processing duration.
2Reliability
If multiple processing steps and sample transfers are performed, then sperm separation is achieved, but the number of work steps increases and human error risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple functions (separation, concentration, and initial analysis) into a single integrated system. The sample remains in the first chamber throughout the process while buffer is added from the second chamber, eliminating the need to transfer samples between multiple containers and reducing human error risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable closure member serves multiple functions: it controls fluid communication between chambers, regulates buffer addition rate, and can be positioned to create different separation conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and操作步骤 needed, simplifying the overall process while maintaining separation accuracy.
3Reliability
If traditional centrifugation methods are used, then sperm separation is achieved, but DNA damage occurs due to centrifugal forces and exposure to harmful substances
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical centrifugal force field with a diffusion-based separation mechanism. Motile sperm naturally migrate from the sample chamber into the buffer chamber through the movable closure member interface, eliminating exposure to high-speed rotation and centrifugal forces that cause DNA damage in traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable closure member acts as an intermediary that controls the interface between sample and buffer. It allows gradual, controlled mixing and separation without the need for harsh chemicals or extreme mechanical forces, protecting sperm DNA from damage while enabling effective separation based on motility.
4Productivity
If manual handling and sample transfers are performed, then processing is completed, but the risk of user error and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by using the motility of sperm themselves as the separation mechanism. Motile sperm automatically migrate into the buffer chamber without manual manipulation, reducing opportunities for user error and contamination while maintaining processing efficiency. The system requires minimal intervention after initial sample loading.
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
This approach reduces the number of work steps, minimizes sample handling, decreases processing duration, and minimizes DNA damage, resulting in a more efficient and reliable separation of motile sperm, enhancing fertility outcomes by providing a clinically useful sperm sample in a shorter timeframe.
Implementation Method 1
motile sperm migrate from the semen sample in the first volume to the buffer solution in the second volume
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to the processing of a biological sample into its constituent components for use in ART and includes introducing a sample into a first volume disposed adjacent a second volume including buffer solution, wherein the first and second volumes are adapted for fluid communication therebetween, selectively separating the first volume from the second volume with a movable closure member disposed therebetween, wherein the step of selectively separating the first volume from the second volume includes moving the closure member so that a fluid communication aperture is formed by one or a combination of the closure member or the closure member in combination with the first and second volumes to allow fluid communication between the first volume and the second volume such that motile cells migrate from the sample in the first volume to the buffer solution in the second volume.