Sperm Sorting Using Liposomes and Slo3 Inhibitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sperm sorting methods using egg yolk as preservatives face issues with cross-species bacterial and viral transmission, lack of standardization, and difficulties in automated sperm characteristic diagnosis, which affect sperm protection and sorting efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of liposomes and/or Slo3 potassium channel inhibitors in semen extenders, particularly in sample and catch fluids, for sperm sorting methods like flow cytometry, which provide protective effects and improve sperm motility and viability without the drawbacks of egg yolk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If egg yolk is used as preservative in sperm sorting methods, then protective effects on sperm membranes are provided, but cross-species bacterial and viral transmission risks and lack of standardization occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful components (egg yolk) from the preservative system while retaining the beneficial protective function through alternative compounds that do not transmit cross-species diseases
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances (alternative preservatives and protective agents) that mediate between the need for sperm protection and the elimination of disease transmission risks, providing a safe intermediate solution
2Reliability
If egg yolk is used as preservative in sperm sorting methods, then protective effects on sperm are provided, but standardization of content and functions cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the preservative system by replacing egg yolk with standardized alternative compounds, enabling controlled and reproducible compositions with defined protective functions
3Reliability
If egg yolk is used as preservative in sperm sorting methods, then protective effects are provided, but automated diagnosis of sperm characteristics becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes egg yolk from the system to eliminate its interference with automated diagnostic measurements, allowing clear and accurate detection of sperm characteristics without background interference
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 method enhances sperm lifespan and motility, improving fertility outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies by providing standardized and safer conditions for sperm sorting and storage.
Implementation Method 1
protect the sperm membranes such as the plasma and acrosomal membranes
Implementation Method 2
inhibitor of Slo3 potassium channel
Implementation Method 3
sperm are labelled with a fluorescent dye for example a bis-benzimide like the commercial product Hoechst 33342 (trihydrochloride, trihydrate, num. CAS 23491-52-3), which binds to the DNA of each spermatozoon
Implementation Method 4
when exposed to UV light during flow cytometry, X-spermatozoa fluorescence emission is brighter than Y-spermatozoa
Implementation Method 5
an electric charge corresponding to its sex chromosome type (that is to say X-positive charge, Y-negative charge or vice-versa) is assigned. The stream of X- and Y-droplets is then separated by means of electrostatic deflection
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of sperm sorting of the spermatozoa contained in the sperm of a mammalian species, said method comprising a step of mixing the sperm sample with liposomes and/or at least one inhibitor of Slo3 potassium channel. In particular, the invention also relates to a method of sperm sorting of the spermatozoa contained in the sperm of a mammalian species, said method comprising the following steps: —mixing said sperm and a fluorescent dye for labelling sperm DNA with a sample fluid into a fluid mixture; —providing a flow cytometric sperm sorting device selected from the in-air droplet systems and the flow cell tip close systems; —using a sperm sorting device on said labelled fluid mixture employing a high energy emitting light source regarding the specific excitation spectrum of the dye, thereby providing each spermatozoon encased in a single droplet of fluid which is hydrodynamically oriented by the use of sheath fluid, identifying the DNA content of said droplet of fluid, assigning an electric charge corresponding to the chromosome status of said droplet and sorting said droplet; and directing said droplet by electrostatic deflection into one of separate collected tubes each containing a catch fluid, wherein the sample fluid and/or the catch fluid comprises liposomes and/or at least one inhibitor of Slo3 potassium channel.