Vertical Sperm Sorting Device Using Thermotaxis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sperm sorting methods, such as swim-up techniques and density gradient separation, are inefficient and time-consuming, especially for patients with low sperm concentration and motility, and lack the throughput needed for IVF criteria, while existing thermotaxis-based methods face space constraints and lack a market-available device for motile sperm sorting.
Innovation Solution
A sperm sorting device with a vertical configuration and a porous layer that creates a temperature difference between chambers, using a temperature controlling component to heat the upper chamber and cool the lower chamber, allowing motile sperm to pass through the porous layer based on thermotaxis, thereby overcoming gravity and improving sorting efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If horizontal microfluidic chips are used for sperm separation, then small volumes can be used for separation, but the process is time-consuming and has severe volume restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal microfluidic chip separation to vertical separation using a temperature difference device. The sperm sorting chamber is positioned vertically above the collection chamber, allowing sperm to move downward under gravity while a temperature gradient (heat source at bottom, cold source at top) drives thermotaxis. This vertical configuration enables faster processing compared to horizontal flow-based methods while maintaining small sample volumes.
2Manufacturing precision
If filter-based sperm movement against gravity is used, then separation can be achieved, but patients with low sperm concentration and motility yield low quality results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of temperature to create a thermal gradient that actively guides sperm movement. By positioning a heat source at the bottom and a cold source at the top of the sperm sorting chamber, capacitated sperm exhibit thermotaxis and swim upward against gravity through the porous membrane into the collection chamber. This thermal field approach enhances separation quality for low-concentration samples compared to passive filter-based methods.
3Reliability
If thermotaxis-based sperm selection is performed on a petri dish or microfluidic chip with horizontal thermal gradient, then sperm selection can be achieved, but the throughput is insufficient for IVF criteria and space constraints exist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the thermal gradient from horizontal to vertical orientation. The heat source is positioned at the bottom and the cold source at the top, creating a vertical temperature gradient that drives sperm upward through the porous membrane. This vertical arrangement increases the effective separation area and throughput compared to horizontal petri dish methods, while maintaining the thermotaxis mechanism for reliable sperm selection.
4Temperature
If horizontal temperature-gradient system is used with separated hot and cold reservoirs, then temperature difference can be established, but space constraints result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hot and cold reservoirs into a vertically stacked configuration within the same device footprint. The heat source is integrated at the bottom of the sperm sorting chamber and the cold source at the top, eliminating the need for horizontally separated reservoirs. This vertical integration maintains the required temperature gradient while significantly reducing the overall device area and improving space efficiency.
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 vertical temperature difference system increases sperm motility and concentration, enhances the recovery rate of progressive sperms, and reduces DNA fragmentation, achieving a higher yield and quality of sorted sperm compared to uniform temperature systems, with improved space efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
Sperm thermotaxis is one of the mechanisms for selecting capacitated spermatozoa to fertilize the oocyte. Thermotaxis is dependent on a temperature gradient established within the fallopian tube. Guided by this gradient, capacitated mammalian spermatozoa can swim away from the utero-tubal junction towards the warmer temperature where the oocyte awaits.
Implementation Method 2
The temperature controlling component is adapted to be disposed outside the upper portion or the lower portion to make the temperature of the upper chamber higher than the lower chamber
Implementation Method 3
The porous layer is disposed between the upper chamber and the lower chamber, adapted to allow sperms to pass through from the lower chamber to the upper chamber
Implementation Method 4
The temperature controlling component is adapted to be disposed outside the upper portion or the lower portion to make the temperature of the upper chamber higher than the lower chamber
Implementation Method 5
using a temperature controlling component to heat the upper chamber and cool the lower chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A sperm sorting device adapted to collaborate with a temperature controlling component is provided. The sperm sorting device includes an upper portion, a lower portion and a porous layer. The upper portion is formed with an upper chamber. The lower portion is formed with a lower chamber. The upper chamber and the lower chamber are disposed vertically. The temperature controlling component is adapted to be disposed outside the upper portion or the lower portion to make the temperature of the upper chamber higher than the lower chamber. The porous layer is disposed between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. The porous layer is adapted to allow sperms to pass through from the lower chamber to the upper chamber and adapted to form a temperature difference between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. Besides, a temperature difference device adapted for the sperm sorting device is also provided.