Multi-Well Sperm Sorting Channels for Motility-Selective Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sperm sorting technologies struggle to efficiently isolate healthy, motile sperm for assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, particularly when dealing with varying sperm sample quality and quantity, and often risk drawing non-motile sperm due to force-based extraction methods.
Innovation Solution
A multi-well system with a filter chamber and post-filter zone comprising multiple separation channels and collection chambers, allowing motile sperm to swim against gravity and be harvested without external force, enabling flexible sorting of sperm samples for various ART procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If force-based extraction methods are used to harvest sperm, then extraction efficiency is improved, but non-motile sperm are drawn up through the filter into the collection chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows motile sperm to self-select and swim through the filter and channels to the collection chamber without external force, using their own motility as the driving mechanism. This self-service approach ensures that only sperm capable of active swimming are collected, eliminating the need for force-based extraction that would compromise sperm quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical force-based extraction systems with a biological propulsion system where sperm自身的motility drives the sorting process. Instead of using pumps or pressure gradients to move sperm, the system relies on the intrinsic swimming capability of the sperm themselves to navigate through the filter and channels.
2Device complexity
If a single straight separation channel is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to isolate multiple sorted sperm samples is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the separation process into multiple independent channels, each capable of processing sperm samples separately. This segmentation allows simultaneous isolation of multiple sorted sperm samples from different portions of the original sample, increasing versatility without significantly increasing overall device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple separation channels are designed with universal functionality, where each channel can independently perform the complete sorting process. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle various sorting requirements and produce multiple usable samples from a single input, enhancing adaptability while maintaining design consistency across channels.
3Speed
If external force is applied to move sperm through the filter, then processing speed is improved, but the risk of drawing non-motile sperm into the collection chamber increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for external force by utilizing the sperm's own motility as the driving mechanism. Motile sperm actively swim through the filter and channels at their natural speed, ensuring that the processing speed is maintained for healthy sperm while automatically excluding non-motile sperm that cannot generate sufficient swimming force to traverse the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the driving parameter from external mechanical force to intrinsic biological motility. This parameter change transforms the sorting mechanism from a passive force-driven process to an active biology-driven process, where the speed and efficiency of sorting are determined by the sperm's own swimming capabilities rather than externally applied forces.
4Manufacturing precision
If a filter with small micropores is used to isolate healthy sperm, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring sperm motility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the filter as an intermediary structure that translates the microscopic property of sperm motility into a macroscopic observable outcome. The filter's micropores act as a threshold mechanism, where only sperm with sufficient motility can pass through, thereby converting an难以检测的 cellular property into a easily observable positional outcome in the collection chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement of sperm motility with a biological filtration process. Instead of using complex mechanical sensors to measure sperm movement, the system uses the passive mechanical structure of the filter to automatically separate motile from non-motile sperm based on their swimming ability, simplifying the detection process.
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 effectively isolates healthy sperm for multiple ART procedures, reducing the risk of extracting non-motile sperm and accommodating samples with varying sperm counts, from millions to just a few, enhancing the success of ART procedures.
Implementation Method 1
allowing motile sperm to swim against gravity and be harvested without external force
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems and methods for sorting sperm that in illustrative embodiments include two or more separation channels each connected to a collection chamber. In some embodiments, at least one of the separation channels is attached to a filter chamber, which is also connected to an introduction channel. Some embodiments include a plurality of separation channels and connected collection chambers. Furthermore, in some embodiments the separation channels and connected collection chambers are arranged in parallel, in serial, or a combination thereof. Some embodiments herein include a pre-filter zone that can be a straight channel, or can be other than a straight channel, including a number of different disclosed configurations.