Sperm Sorting Chip With Diverging Flow Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sperm sorting technologies using microfluidic chips often mix sperm of different qualities when extracting waste fluid and collecting sperm from the same port, leading to reduced sperm quality for artificial fertilization.
Innovation Solution
A sperm sorting chip with a diverging flow field region, main flow channel, and converging main flow channel, featuring separate fluid injection, semen injection, and waste fluid outlets, which uses fluid flow velocities to separate active and inactive sperm, allowing for the extraction of high-quality sperm through a semen extraction port while directing inactive sperm to a waste fluid outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sperm are extracted from the same port for both waste fluid removal and sperm collection, then the device structure is simplified, but the quality of collected sperm deteriorates due to mixing with inactive sperm
Solution Approach 1:
The chip divides the extraction function into two separate ports: a first extraction port for waste fluid removal and a second extraction port for sperm collection. This segmentation prevents mixing of active and inactive sperm, ensuring high quality collected sperm while maintaining relatively simple device structure through functional separation.
2Productivity
If sperm sorting is performed quickly, then productivity is improved, but the quality of sperm separation may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The chip creates different flow field characteristics in different regions: a first flow field in the waste fluid channel with specific velocity characteristics for removing inactive sperm, and a second flow field in the sperm collection channel with different velocity characteristics for preserving active sperm. This local differentiation enables effective separation while maintaining sorting efficiency.
3Productivity
If fluid flow velocity is increased to improve sorting efficiency, then productivity increases, but harmful effects on sperm may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chip applies different flow velocities in different regions: higher flow velocity in the waste fluid channel to efficiently remove inactive sperm, and lower flow velocity in the sperm collection channel to minimize injury to active sperm. This localized flow control achieves high sorting efficiency while protecting sperm quality.
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
This design enhances the quality of collected sperm by minimizing the mixing of sperm with different qualities, improving the chances of successful fertilization by effectively sorting and separating active sperm from inactive ones.
Implementation Method 1
uses fluid flow velocities to separate active and inactive sperm, allowing for the extraction of high-quality sperm through a semen extraction port while directing inactive sperm to a waste fluid outlet
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a sperm sorting chip and a method for sorting sperm using the same. Said sperm sorting chip includes: a flow channel structure sequentially configured with a gradually diverging flow field region, a main flow channel, and a gradually converging main flow channel intercommunicated with each other from a first side end to a second side end; a fluid injection port, a semen injection port, and a semen extraction port separately located at the first side end and communicated with a main input channel of the gradual diverging flow field region; and a waste fluid outlet located at the second side end and communicated with the gradually converging main flow channel. The gradually diverging flow field region further includes a plurality of sub-input channels derived from the main input channel and converged into the main flow channel, and the plurality of sub-input channels have a gradually widening channel width at the junction with the main flow channel. By contrast, the gradually converging main flow channel has a gradually narrowing channel width toward the waste fluid outlet.