Sperm Sorting Track with Stimulus-Responsive Cubicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selecting sperm for fertilization either involve gene editing of fertilized eggs, which is controversial, or require killing the sperm for DNA analysis, making it impossible to use the sperm for fertilization.
Innovation Solution
A sorting track system that uses a housing with multiple cubicles, each with unique architectural and stimulus characteristics, to sort living sperm based on their physical characteristics and capabilities, allowing for the selection of sperm with desired genetic traits without killing them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If DNA analysis is performed on sperm to select for desired genetic traits, then the ability to choose specific genetic characteristics is improved, but the sperm must be killed for analysis making it unusable for fertilization
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sperm selection process into two separate stages: (1) non-lethal sorting of living sperm into cubicles based on physical characteristics and capabilities, and (2) subsequent DNA analysis of samples from selected cubicles. This segmentation allows the majority of sperm to remain viable for fertilization while only a small sample is analyzed genetically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary sorting of sperm into cubicles based on observable characteristics before DNA analysis is conducted. This preliminary classification allows the sperm to be grouped by physical traits first, then only representative samples from each group undergo DNA analysis, preserving the viability of sperm that will be used for fertilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gene editing is performed on fertilized eggs to achieve desired traits, then genetic trait selection is improved, but the method becomes controversial and ethically problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the genetic analysis function from the fertilization process itself. Instead of editing genes in fertilized eggs, the system separates sperm based on their physical characteristics and capabilities before fertilization occurs, then performs DNA analysis on samples to correlate traits. This extraction eliminates the need for controversial gene editing while maintaining the ability to select for desired genetic characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cubicles with unique characteristics are used to sort sperm, then the precision of sperm classification is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each cubicle in the sorting track is given unique local characteristics (different architectural features, stimulus conditions, or chemical environments) that appeal to specific sperm types. This local differentiation allows precise classification of sperm based on their responses to various conditions, with each cubicle optimized for attracting a particular subset of sperm characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The sperm themselves perform the sorting work by naturally responding to the different conditions in each cubicle. Sperm with specific characteristics self-select into appropriate cubicles based on their inherent responses to light, chemical treatments, pressure, or architectural features, eliminating the need for complex external sorting mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A sorting track for sorting living sperm includes a housing that defines at least two cubicles, an initial placement location, and a channel fluidly coupled to the at least two cubicles and the initial placement location such that the at least two cubicles each feature a unique set of cubicle characteristics, an extraction portal, and an entrance fluidly coupled to the channel. Cubicle characteristics may include one or more architectural characteristics selected from the group consisting of: a distance from the initial placement location, a cubicle shape, a cubicle volume, a cubicle position within the housing relative to the channel, an entrance size, and an entrance shape. Cubicle characteristics may also include stimulus characteristics selected from the group consisting of: a wavelength of light, a light intensity, a radioactive radiation intensity, an electromagnetic field, a chemical treatment, a pressure, a sound, and a temperature.