Sperm Microcapsules Using Semi-Synthetic Glyceride Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial insemination methods in swine require multiple manipulations, causing stress and increasing costs due to the need for multiple containers and inefficient sperm encapsulation techniques, which result in large microcapsules with reduced sperm mobility and short fertility coverage.
Innovation Solution
Development of microcapsules using a non-spermicidal semi-synthetic glyceride matrix with a melting temperature between 35°C and 47°C, stable in isotonic medium for three days and degrading within six hours in the animal environment, combined with a gellan gum suspension to maintain uniform distribution and preserve spermatozoa viability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If spermatozoa are encapsulated in large microcapsules (5mm size), then the encapsulation is stable, but the mobility of spermatozoa is much lower than that of free spermatozoa
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the encapsulation matrix by using a semi-synthetic glyceride with a specific melting temperature range (35-47°C). This parameter change allows the matrix to be solid at storage temperature (providing stability) but liquid at body temperature (restoring mobility), thus resolving the contradiction between encapsulation stability and sperm mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the phase transition of the semi-synthetic glyceride matrix between solid and liquid states. At storage temperature, the matrix is solid and stable; at body temperature (38°C), it melts and becomes liquid, allowing sperm to move freely. This phase transition resolves the contradiction by providing stability when needed and mobility when needed.
2Reliability
If two-stage artificial insemination is performed to cover ovulatory and postovulatory periods, then fertilization success is improved, but the number of manipulations and stress on sow increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate insemination operations into a single operation by encapsulating sperm in a temperature-responsive matrix that releases sperm in two phases: initially at insemination time and then continuously at body temperature. This single operation covers both the ovulatory and postovulatory periods, reducing manipulations while maintaining fertilization success.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary encapsulation of sperm in a matrix that is stable at storage temperature but degrades at body temperature. This preliminary action ensures that sperm are protected during storage and transport, then automatically released in the correct sequence (initial burst followed by continuous release) when introduced into the sow, eliminating the need for a second insemination operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If polymer gels are used for sperm encapsulation, then encapsulation is achieved, but the microcapsule size is too large (5mm) and sperm mobility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional polymer gels to a semi-synthetic glyceride with a specific melting temperature (35-47°C). This parameter change enables the formation of microcapsules that are small enough to maintain sperm mobility while remaining stable at storage temperature and degrading at body temperature, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and sperm mobility.
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 solution provides a biocompatible, stable, and efficient encapsulation method that maintains sperm mobility and viability, allowing for a single insemination event that covers the ovulatory period, reducing stress and costs while ensuring effective fertilization.
Implementation Method 1
use is made of a non-toxic hydrophilic polymer which is preferably chosen from the group consisting of polyurethane and polyoxyethylene polymers, as well as polyurethane and polyester polymers
Implementation Method 2
the bath comprises a surfactant
Implementation Method 3
said non-encapsulated liquid medium contains an agent capable of allowing the uniform suspension of the microcapsules within it
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention particularly relates to microcapsules comprising: a core containing mammals', but not human, spermatozoids in suspension in a diluter, i.e. a liquid medium capable of preserving spermatozoids; an encapsulation matrix made of a polymeric material. The microcapsules are characterised in that said matrix is non-spermicidal and is made of at least one semi-synthetic glyceride, i.e. at least one glyceride of C8-C18 saturated fatty acids having a fusion temperature of about 35 to 47°C. The invention also relates to an insemination dose containing such microcapsules, and to a method for producing the same.