Okra-Derived Artificial Cervical Fluid for Sperm Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an artificial cervical fluid (CF) with properties similar to natural human CF, particularly during ovulation, for applications such as sperm motility testing, sperm separation, and antiviral protection, as natural CF is difficult to collect in large volumes and is only present at specific times during the menstrual cycle.
Innovation Solution
A mucilaginous extract from the okra plant (A. esculentus) is produced with similar physical and biological properties to human CF, including the ability to be selectively penetrated by motile spermatozoa and exhibiting antiviral properties, through an extraction process that involves separating a substantially clear mucilaginous fluid from the okra fruit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If natural human CF is collected for research and medical applications, then the properties needed for sperm motility testing and antiviral protection can be obtained, but the collection is difficult and limited to specific times during the menstrual cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an artificial cervical fluid using okra mucilage that replicates the key properties of natural human CF, including viscosity, Spinnbarkeit, and ferning pattern. This copy allows repeated use without the limitations of natural collection timing and volume constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the okra extract to match human CF characteristics, adjusting viscosity, pH, and other properties through controlled extraction and purification processes to achieve functional equivalence.
2Reliability
If natural CF is used for sperm storage and preservation, then sperm viability can be maintained, but the limited availability and volume restrict its practical application
Solution Approach 1:
The okra-derived artificial CF provides a copiable, reusable medium that maintains sperm viability while eliminating the volume limitations of natural CF collection. The mucilaginous structure replicates the protective properties needed for sperm preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The artificial CF serves multiple functions including sperm storage, motility testing, and antiviral protection, making it a universal medium that replaces natural CF across various applications without the constraints of natural collection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If natural CF is used for antiviral protection, then viral transmission can be blocked, but the seasonal and temporal limitations reduce its accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a permanent, reusable antiviral medium based on okra mucilage that blocks viral transmission without the temporal limitations of natural CF. The artificial CF can be stored and used at any time, eliminating the seasonal and monthly availability constraints.
4Quantity of substance
If an artificial CF is developed to replace natural CF, then availability and volume can be improved, but the complexity of replicating all necessary properties increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the essential functional components of okra mucilage that provide CF-like properties, separating these functions from the complex natural okra plant. This extraction approach simplifies the artificial CF while maintaining key properties for sperm storage, motility testing, and antiviral protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent focuses on replicating only the specific local properties of natural CF that are essential for each application (viscosity for storage, Spinnbarkeit for motility testing, antiviral compounds for protection), rather than attempting to replicate all properties uniformly across the entire system.
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 okra-derived composition effectively serves as a substitute for human CF in sperm storage, preservation, and antiviral applications, enhancing sperm fertility indicators and providing antiviral protection.
Implementation Method 1
separating a substantially clear mucilaginous fluid from the first extract
Implementation Method 2
separating a substantially clear mucilaginous fluid from the first extract
Implementation Method 3
extracting a fruit of A. esculentus in an aqueous medium, to produce a first extract
Data Source
AI summary
Artificial cervical fluid is disclosed that contains a mucilaginous extract from the okra plant. The mucilaginous extract can be produced using a hot aqueous extractant or cold extraction process followed by separation of larger particles from the extract. The extract finds many uses, for example as a sperm storage medium, a sperm freezing medium, a sexual lubricant, an artificial insemination medium, an in vitro fertilization medium, and methods for treating and/or preventing infection, replication, and transmission of viruses, such as sexually transmitted viruses.