Sperm Gene Expression Screening for Faster MAP Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spermatozoon selection methods at high magnification are time-consuming and subject to human subjectivity, making them inefficient and costly, while existing methods for male infertility do not provide clear indications for sperm selection.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the extraction of nucleic acids from spermatozoa to measure the expression level of specific marker genes (AURKA, CFAP46, CCDC60, CCDC88B, HDAC4, CACNA1C, CACNA1H, CARHSP1, DNAH2, and SPATA18) and determining expression differentials to select spermatozoa at appropriate magnifications for fertilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If spermatozoon selection is performed at high magnification to identify morphological indicators, then the accuracy of sperm selection is improved, but the time required for selection increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesperm selection accuracyVSAvoidselection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing morphological evaluation of spermatozoa before the actual ICSI procedure. Sperm samples are pre-screened using automated image analysis systems that capture and evaluate sperm morphology at high magnification in advance, allowing clinicians to identify suitable spermatozoa beforehand and reduce the time required during the actual injection procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual microscopic examination with automated image analysis systems. These systems use digital imaging and computer-based morphological evaluation to objectively assess spermatozoa, eliminating the time-consuming manual inspection process while maintaining or improving selection accuracy through consistent, standardized criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual morphological evaluation by biologists is used, then expert judgment is applied, but human subjectivity introduces variability in evaluation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexpert judgmentVSAvoidevaluation consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces subjective manual evaluation by biologists with automated image analysis systems that apply standardized morphological criteria consistently. These systems capture sperm images and automatically assess morphological features using predefined parameters, eliminating inter-observer variability and ensuring uniform evaluation standards across different samples and operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the automated system continuously refines its evaluation based on established morphological criteria and known successful outcomes. The system provides objective, quantifiable measurements of sperm morphology that can be tracked and validated, creating a feedback loop that ensures consistent application of selection standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If high magnification selection is performed for all cases, then the best possible sperm selection is achieved, but the cost and complexity of the procedure increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesperm selection qualityVSAvoidprocedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by performing high-magnification morphological evaluation only for sperm samples that require enhanced selection, rather than universally applying the most complex methodology to all cases. The system allows clinicians to select the appropriate level of evaluation based on individual patient needs, sample characteristics, and clinical indications, optimizing resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables flexible adjustment of evaluation parameters and magnification levels based on specific clinical requirements. The automated system can adapt its assessment criteria and imaging parameters to match the particular characteristics of each sperm sample and clinical scenario, providing optimized selection without unnecessarily increasing complexity for all cases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12577618B2Method for selecting spermatozoa, in particular for medically assisted procreation (MAP)
Publication Date: 2026.03.17 CASSUTO NINO GUY
  • US12577618B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for analysing a spermatozoon, comprising a step of extracting the nucleic acids from the spermatozoa contained in a first sample of spermatozoa previously obtained from a human subject; a step of measuring the level of expression of at least one marker gene chosen from the group consisting of AURKA, CFAP46, CCDC60, CCDC88B, HDAC4, CACNA1C, CACNA1H, CARHSP1, DNAH2 and SPATA18 from the extracted nucleic acids; and a step of determining the existence of an expression differential of the at least one marker gene in relation to a control. It also relates to a method for selecting spermatozoa and a method for evaluating the quality of a sperm.