Sperm Selecting System Flow Channel Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sperm selecting systems are inefficient in reducing the attrition rate of sperm cells and cannot effectively select active sperm cells, often resulting in sperm death and poor recovery rates after thawing, especially when using freeze storage methods.
Innovation Solution
A sperm selecting system and method that sets the analyte at the entrance of a flow channel with a specified flow rate, utilizing a diverging section and activation structure to allow active sperm cells to swim against the flow and stay in place, while inactive sperm cells are flushed out, and an activation section with a higher flow rate to revive non-active sperm cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If freeze storing is used to preserve sperm cells, then sperm cells can be stored for later use, but not all sperm cells recover after thawing and the attrition rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary selection of active sperm cells before freeze storage by using a flow channel with controlled fluid flow. Active sperm cells swim against the flow and are collected in the working section, while inactive cells are flushed out. This preliminary action ensures that only healthy, active sperm cells undergo freeze storage, thereby improving recovery rates after thawing and reducing attrition.
2Productivity
If steady flow is used to select sperm cells, then active sperm cells can be collected, but the attrition rate of sperm cells increases and selection effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel module is divided into distinct sections with different flow characteristics: an initial section for introducing the analyte, a working section with controlled flow rate for selecting active sperm cells, and an exit section. Each section has optimized local flow conditions that facilitate specific functions - the working section's controlled flow rate allows active sperm to swim against the flow while inactive cells are flushed out, minimizing attrition during the selection process.
3Measurement precision
If microscope observation is used to estimate sperm activity, then sperm activity can be assessed, but sperm cells cannot be selected and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual microscope observation with a mechanical flow-based selection system. Instead of visually assessing sperm activity under a microscope, the system uses controlled fluid flow through a flow channel to physically separate active from inactive sperm cells. Active sperm cells swim against the flow direction and are collected in the working section, while inactive cells are flushed out. This mechanical substitution dramatically reduces selection time while maintaining high accuracy in identifying active sperm cells.
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 system effectively reduces sperm attrition rates by allowing active sperm cells to be selectively collected and stored, while inactive cells are removed, and can revive frozen sperm cells, improving the overall efficiency of sperm selection and preservation.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid with a specified flow rate is input from the fluid supply module to the fluid collection module through the flow channel module
Implementation Method 2
The flow rate of the fluid in the activation section is at least three times faster than the specified flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a sperm selecting system and the method thereof. The brief concept of the present invention is to generate a flow field by hydraulic pressure difference then utilize the property that the sperm swims against the flow field so as to difference the sperms by vitality thereof. One of the main features of the present invention is that the sperms be selected are initially set at the entrance of the flow field instead of the exit of the system. Furthermore, an activating design can be selectively added to the present invention so as to activate the sperm be affected by the process of freeze storing.