Okra Mucilage Composition for Artificial Cervical Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
The natural cervical mucus (CF) is difficult to collect in large volumes and is only present at specific times during the menstrual cycle, limiting its practical applications in fertility and reproductive health, necessitating an artificial substitute with similar properties.
Innovation Solution
A mucilaginous extract from the okra plant (Abelmoschus esculentus) is produced to mimic the physical and biological properties of human CF, including Spinnbarkeit, ferning, and selective sperm permeability, suitable for various reproductive applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If natural cervical mucus is collected, then it provides selective permeability to spermatozoa and maintains sperm viability, but it is difficult to collect in large volumes and is only present at specific times during the menstrual cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an artificial cervical mucus composition that copies the key functional properties of natural cervical mucus, including selective permeability to spermatozoa, viscosity, and ability to maintain sperm viability. This synthetic copy can be produced in unlimited quantities without being constrained by the menstrual cycle timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies physical and chemical parameters of the artificial composition to match natural cervical mucus properties. This includes adjusting viscosity, pH, ionic composition, and molecular weight distribution to achieve similar selective permeability and sperm-maintaining capabilities while enabling large-scale production.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If natural cervical mucus is used, then it provides antibacterial properties and protective seal during pregnancy, but its availability is limited to certain menstrual cycle stages
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial composition replicates the antibacterial properties and protective functions of natural cervical mucus through carefully selected ingredients and molecular structures, enabling continuous availability regardless of menstrual cycle stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preparation and storage of the artificial composition in advance, allowing it to be available whenever needed rather than being restricted to specific times in the menstrual cycle when natural mucus is present.
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 extract effectively serves as a substitute for CF, enhancing sperm motility, fertility indication, and providing antibacterial properties, making it suitable for sperm storage, insemination, and assisted reproduction procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a mucilaginous extract from the okra plant (Abelmoschus esculentus) is produced to mimic the physical and biological properties of human CF
Implementation Method 2
The viscosity and water content varies during the menstrual cycle; the CF is composed of around 93% water, reaching 98% at mid-cycle. It has stretchy character described as 'Spinnbarkeit,' most prominent around the time of ovulation
Implementation Method 3
as the CF dries, the salts crystallize, resembling the leaves of a fern
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, and an in vitro fertilization medium.