Tree Sap Cryoprotectant for Sperm Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cryogenically preserving avian and mammalian sperm cells are inefficient, leading to significant damage and reduced fertility due to the use of toxic cryoprotectants and challenges in freezing thin, whip-like sperm cells.
Innovation Solution
The use of tree saps, such as maple and birch sap, as cryoprotectants in combination with a modified extender medium to create a sperm/medium combination that is cryopreserved, reducing the need for toxic chemicals and improving cell survival rates during freezing and thawing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cryoprotectants (DMSO, MA, DMA) are used to preserve sperm cells, then freezing protection is achieved, but cell wall damage occurs and fertility is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful traditional cryoprotectants (DMSO, MA, DMA) from the preservation medium, replacing them with a natural alternative (tree sap) that provides freezing protection without the toxic side effects that damage cell walls and impair fertility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces tree sap as an intermediary substance that mediates between the need for freezing protection and the requirement to avoid cell damage. The tree sap acts as a natural cryoprotectant that protects sperm cells during freezing without the harmful effects of synthetic cryoprotectants
2Duration of action of stationary object
If avian spermatozoa are frozen using conventional methods, then cryogenic preservation is achieved, but the thin whip-like structure suffers significant damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the preservation medium by using tree sap instead of traditional cryoprotectants. This parameter change creates a more compatible environment for the thin whip-like structure of avian spermatozoa, reducing structural damage during freezing and thawing while maintaining cryogenic preservation capability
3Reliability
If toxic cryoprotectants are used to achieve high survival rates, then freezing protection is improved, but fertility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of using any cryoprotectant into a benefit by selecting a natural, non-toxic alternative (tree sap) that provides the necessary freezing protection without the harmful side effects. The tree sap offers cryoprotective properties while maintaining sperm fertility, effectively turning the challenge of cryoprotectant selection into an opportunity to use a superior natural substance
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 method achieves higher sperm survival rates, with some samples showing over 50% survival and motility post-thawing, compared to traditional methods which typically achieve around 35-40% motility, and allows for the successful fertilization of eggs.
Implementation Method 1
combining sperm to be cryogenically preserved and a composition that comprises (1) a cryoprotectant, comprising one or more tree saps; and (2) an extender medium to produce a sperm/medium combination and (b). subjecting the combination to conditions that result in cryopreservation of sperm
Implementation Method 2
subjecting the combination to conditions that result in cryopreservation of sperm
Data Source
AI summary
A method of cryogenically preserving sperm comprising (a) combining sperm to be cryogenically preserved and a composition that comprises (1) a cryoprotectant, comprising one or more tree saps; and (2) an extender medium to produce a sperm/medium combination; and (b) subjecting the combination to conditions that result in cryopreservation of sperm, thereby producing a cryopreserved combination that comprises cryopreserved sperm is disclosed.