Multi-Cell Fluorescence Detection for Sex-Skewed Semen Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semen sexing instruments face limitations in targeting specific peaks within multi-cell events, leading to incorrect elimination of desired cells due to reliance on proper orientation and spacing, and struggle with high throughput and purity in sexed semen production.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that detect fluorescence from multiple cells within a single event, classify each cell as desired or undesired, and use fluid switching or laser ablation to selectively eliminate undesired cells, while reducing reliance on cell orientation and increasing the speed and accuracy of the sorting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the system relies on proper orientation and spacing of cells to target specific peaks, then the targeting accuracy is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to multi-cell events and reduces throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cell population into desired and undesired cells based on fluorescence characteristics, and further segments the response by applying different operations to each segment. The system identifies multi-cell events as distinct segments and applies specialized handling to these segments, thereby maintaining accuracy while improving throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its response based on real-time detection of cell characteristics. When multi-cell events are detected, the system changes its operational mode to handle these complex events differently from single-cell events, allowing flexible adaptation that maintains both accuracy and throughput.
2Ease of operation
If the system targets the highest peak in multi-cell events, then the ease of operation is improved, but the purity of the sexed semen decreases due to incorrect elimination of desired cells
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses fluorescence detection as feedback to identify and classify cells. By measuring the fluorescence characteristics of cells in multi-cell events, the system receives feedback about the composition of each event and adjusts its targeting decision accordingly, ensuring high purity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for decision-making from simple peak height to a combination of fluorescence characteristics and event type. This parameter transformation allows the system to maintain operational simplicity while achieving high precision in cell selection.
3Device complexity
If the system processes all events at the same speed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the throughput is limited by the slowest processing path
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by processing different types of events at different speeds. Single-cell events are processed quickly through standard targeting, while multi-cell events receive more extensive analysis and specialized handling. This partial differentiation increases overall throughput without significantly increasing device complexity.
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 allows for accurate gender skewing in populations with high multi-cell events, increases throughput, and enhances the purity and yield of sexed semen by enabling faster and more precise targeting of undesired cells, reducing laser charge time, and improving operational safety and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the sperm cells are illuminated with a light source (e.g., a laser), which excites the luminescent dye in the DNA, giving off a fluorescent luminescence which is detected by a detector
Implementation Method 2
laser kill methods involve exposure of particular cells to a laser with sufficient energy to inactivate the cells
Implementation Method 3
U.S. Pat. No. 8,941,062 describes systems and methods of cytometry involving presenting a single sperm cell to at least one laser source configured to deliver light to the sperm cell in order to induce bond vibrations in the sperm cell DNA
Data Source
AI summary
A method of choosing which undesired cell to destroy in a multi-cell fluorescent event includes detecting fluorescence of cells, converting photons detected in the fluorescence into an analog voltage output signal, and identifying at least two discernable peaks associated with the cells. By looking solely at properties measured within the multi-cell fluorescent event, a decision of which cell to target for elimination can be made. Using this method with large population sizes can result in an effective sex skewed product. The sex skewed product can, for example, be formed from bull semen which is then later used to inseminate cows which results in an increased likelihood of giving birth to female cattle.