Semen Stabilization Medium for Nonrefrigerated 72-Hour Viability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semen analysis methods face challenges due to the perishable nature of sperm outside the body, requiring on-site collection and posing psychological barriers, and existing solutions like cryopreservation and mail-in kits have limitations such as negative impacts on sperm quality and limited storage duration.
Innovation Solution
A stabilization medium comprising pH buffer agents, inorganic salts, organic compounds, and amino acids with antioxidant properties, maintaining semen viability for up to 72 hours without refrigeration or cryopreservation, suitable for semen analysis, transportation, and laboratory use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If cryopreservation is used to store semen samples, then storage duration is extended, but sperm quality deteriorates due to negative impacts on sperm cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the storage medium by formulating a stabilization medium containing specific pH buffer agents (HEPES, MOPS), inorganic salts, organic compounds, and amino acids with antioxidant properties. This chemical parameter change allows storage at higher temperatures (36.1-37.2°C) without cryopreservation, thereby maintaining sperm quality while extending storage duration to up to 72 hours
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable stabilization medium that can be used at room or body temperature for short-term storage (up to 72 hours), eliminating the need for expensive and complex cryopreservation infrastructure. This approach trades extended storage duration for maintained sperm quality, avoiding the harmful effects of freezing
2Reliability
If on-site collection is required for semen analysis, then sperm viability is maintained, but psychological barriers and inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization medium acts as an intermediary substance that allows semen samples to be collected discreetly by patients and transported to laboratories without requiring on-site analysis. The medium maintains sperm viability during transport, enabling patients to collect samples at home without psychological stress while ensuring the samples remain viable for laboratory analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization medium is prepared in advance and provided to patients through mail-in kits, allowing them to collect samples at their convenience. The pre-prepared medium ensures that samples can be stored and transported without compromising sperm viability, thereby eliminating the need for on-site collection while maintaining sample quality
3Ease of operation
If mail-in semen analysis kits are used, then collection convenience is improved, but storage duration is limited due to perishable nature of sperm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the storage parameters by developing a stabilization medium that maintains sperm viability at higher temperatures (36.1-37.2°C) for extended periods (up to 72 hours). This parameter change allows mail-in kits to be used without refrigeration, extending storage duration while maintaining collection convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization medium is a composite formulation containing multiple components: pH buffer agents (HEPES, MOPS), inorganic salts, organic compounds, and amino acids with antioxidant properties. This composite material works synergistically to maintain sperm viability during extended storage and transport, enabling mail-in kits to function effectively without refrigeration
4Reliability
If refrigeration is used during transportation, then sperm viability is maintained, but logistical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the requirement for refrigeration by developing a stabilization medium that maintains sperm viability at higher temperatures (36.1-37.2°C). This eliminates the need for complex refrigerated transport infrastructure, simplifying logistics while maintaining sperm viability during transportation to laboratories
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 stabilization medium effectively preserves semen viability for extended periods, improving sperm quality and reducing genetic damage, enabling broader logistical possibilities for semen analysis and reproductive applications.
Implementation Method 1
one or more amino acids with antioxidant properties
Implementation Method 2
one or more pH buffer agents
Implementation Method 3
one or more inorganic salts
Data Source
AI summary
A semen stabilization medium is described, which includes pH buffer agents, inorganic salts, organic compounds, and amino acids with antioxidant properties. The stabilization medium preserves semen viability for up to 72 hours when the semen is mixed with the stabilization medium and maintained at a temperature within a 20% tolerance of human body temperature.