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Alm-Kristiansen AH. Motility Subpopulations with Distinct Motility Characteristics Using Swim-Up-Selected Sperm Cells from Norwegian Red Bulls: Effects of Freezing-Thawing and Between-Bull Variation. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1086. [PMID: 37626972 PMCID: PMC10452253 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Discrete subpopulations of motile sperm cells have been found for several species and are implicated to be important for sperm functionality. The aim of this present study was to examine the motile subpopulations in swim-up-selected bull spermatozoa and the relationship between subpopulations in fresh and frozen-thawed sperm cells. In experiment 1, swim-up (SWUP)-selected and non-selected (control) sperm cells were analyzed using a Computer-Assisted Sperm Analyzer (CASA). In experiment 2, the semen from nine bulls was cryopreserved and analyzed using CASA both before and after freezing and after incubation at physiological temperatures. The SWUP population had a higher proportion of total motility, progressivity, and velocity compared to the control (p < 0.05). Likewise, both incubation over time and cryopreservation affected motility and motility parameters (p < 0.05). The population of rapid progressive (RapidP) sperm cells dominated the SWUP fraction and was higher than in the control samples (p < 0.05). Furthermore, RapidP was also the main part of fresh semen, but decreased significantly over time during incubation and due to cryopreservation. In conclusion, RapidP was the main population in SWUP-selected spermatozoa and seems to be an important subpopulation contributing to the differences between treatments and in response to the freezing of sperm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hege Alm-Kristiansen
- Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2418 Hamar, Norway
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2
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Belgodere JA, Alam M, Browning VE, Eades J, North J, Armand JA, Liu Y, Tiersch TR, Monroe WT. A Modified-Herringbone Micromixer for Assessing Zebrafish Sperm (MAGS). MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1310. [PMID: 37512621 PMCID: PMC10386169 DOI: 10.3390/mi14071310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Sperm motility analysis of aquatic model species is important yet challenging due to the small sample volume, the necessity to activate with water, and the short duration of motility. To achieve standardization of sperm activation, microfluidic mixers have shown improved reproducibility over activation by hand, but challenges remain in optimizing and simplifying the use of these microdevices for greater adoption. The device described herein incorporates a novel micromixer geometry that aligns two sperm inlet streams with modified herringbone structures that split and recombine the sample at a 1:6 dilution with water to achieve rapid and consistent initiation of motility. The polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chip can be operated in a positive or negative pressure configuration, allowing a simple micropipettor to draw samples into the chip and rapidly stop the flow. The device was optimized to not only activate zebrafish sperm but also enables practical use with standard computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) systems. The micromixer geometry could be modified for other aquatic species with differing cell sizes and adopted for an open hardware approach using 3D resin printing where users could revise, fabricate, and share designs to improve standardization and reproducibility across laboratories and repositories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Belgodere
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Mustafa Alam
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Valentino E Browning
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Jason Eades
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Jack North
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Julie A Armand
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA
| | - Terrence R Tiersch
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA
| | - W Todd Monroe
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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3
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Fang Y, Wu R, Lee JM, Chan LHM, Chan KYJ. Microfluidic in-vitro fertilization technologies: Transforming the future of human reproduction. Trends Analyt Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.116959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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4
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El-Sherry TM, Abdel-Ghani MA, Abdel Hafez HK, Abdelgawad M. Rheotaxis of sperm in fertile and infertile men. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2023; 69:57-63. [PMID: 36409632 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2141154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sperm rheotaxis refers to the ability of sperm cells to align their swimming direction with or against fluid flow. Positive rheotaxis (PR) is the tendency of sperm cells to swim against the flow. Herein, we describe sperm rheotaxis in fertile and infertile males, using a microfluidic platform and focus on rheotaxis as a potential marker of male fertility. A previously reported computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) plugin for Image-J was used to detect and analyze the motion of human sperm cells in microfluidic environments. The fabricated microchannels mimic the female reproductive tracts and use an image-processing program to monitor sperm swimming behavior in semen samples from fertile and infertile men. We have constructed an image-processing pipeline. The image-processing pipeline incorporated strengthens object detection and particle tracking to adapt to sperm that are out of focus while swimming on the same track. PR% was defined as the number of PR sperm cells over the number of motile sperm cells. The results showed that the percentage of PR correlates with fertility, wherein the fertile male specimens showed a higher PR% than the other groups (P < 0.05). There is no difference in progressive motility between the control group (fertile men with normal sperm analysis) and group 1 (G1; infertile men with normal sperm analysis). However, PR% was lower (P < 0.05) in the G1 group (13.5 ± 0.4%) compared to the control group (40.3 ± 3.3%) and group 2 (G2; infertile with reduced sperm motility) (15.3 ± 4.6%). Thus, PR% may be used as a novel parameter to explain infertility even in situations where basic sperm analysis following the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines is unable to do so. We propose to use PR% as a novel parameter for sperm analysis and as a method of sperm selection in assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timor M El-Sherry
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assuit University, Assuit, Egypt
| | - Mohammed A Abdel-Ghani
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assuit University, Assuit, Egypt.,Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, AL-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hatem K Abdel Hafez
- Department of Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assuit, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Abdelgawad
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Assiut University, Assuit, Egypt
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5
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Vega-Hidalgo J, Rodriguez M, Dipaz-Berrocal D, Rivas J, Huayhua C, Mellisho E. Sperm selection techniques in cattle: Microfilter device versus conventional methods. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14585. [PMID: 36098672 DOI: 10.1111/and.14585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics and microfilter devices have been developed to mimic the characteristics of the female reproductive tract, minimizing the risk of sperm damage. This study aimed to compare the use of a microfilter device versus conventional methods for sperm selection used in in vitro fertilization (IVF). For selecting spermatozoa, the pooled samples were processed in a microfilter device, swim-up and mini-Percoll gradient. Kinematic and morphometric parameters, vitality and DNA damage were analysed before and after sperm selection. After selection, 10,000 motile spermatozoa per oocyte were used in IVF drops. Embryos were assessed at three (cleavage rate) and seven (blastocyst rate) days post-IVF. Results of sperm kinematic parameters including average path velocity, velocity straight line, curvilinear velocity, linearity, lateral head displacement with the microfilter device were superior to density gradient (p < 0.05), but similar to swim-up method. Likewise, sperm DNA damage was significantly reduced using the microfilter device and swim-up method. Regarding the total sperm recovery rate post selection, results with the microfilter device (17.64%) and mini-Percoll gradient (18.27%) were higher than with swim-up method (6.52%). However, the cleavage and blastocyst rates were the lowest using the microfilter device. In conclusion, sperm selection using the microfilter device and swim-up method can improve kinematic parameters, although the mini Percoll gradient was the most efficient method for embryo production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhorjhi Vega-Hidalgo
- Centro de Investigación en Tecnología de Embriones (CIETE), Programa de Mejoramiento Animal, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
| | - Misael Rodriguez
- Centro de Investigación en Tecnología de Embriones (CIETE), Programa de Mejoramiento Animal, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
| | - Deysi Dipaz-Berrocal
- Centro de Investigación en Tecnología de Embriones (CIETE), Programa de Mejoramiento Animal, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
| | - Josselin Rivas
- Centro de Investigación en Tecnología de Embriones (CIETE), Programa de Mejoramiento Animal, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
| | - Carmen Huayhua
- Centro de Investigación en Tecnología de Embriones (CIETE), Programa de Mejoramiento Animal, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
| | - Edwin Mellisho
- Centro de Investigación en Tecnología de Embriones (CIETE), Programa de Mejoramiento Animal, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
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Label-Free Microfluidic Impedance Cytometry for Acrosome Integrity Assessment of Boar Spermatozoa. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12090679. [PMID: 36140064 PMCID: PMC9496365 DOI: 10.3390/bios12090679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidics and lab-on-chip technologies have been used in a wide range of biomedical applications. They are known as versatile, rapid, and low-cost alternatives for expensive equipment and time-intensive processing. The veterinary industry and human fertility clinics could greatly benefit from label-free and standardized methods for semen analysis. We developed a tool to determine the acrosome integrity of spermatozoa using microfluidic impedance cytometry. Spermatozoa from boars were treated with the calcium ionophore A23187 to induce acrosome reaction. The magnitude, phase and opacity of individual treated and non-treated (control) spermatozoa were analyzed and compared to conventional staining for acrosome integrity. The results show that the opacity at 19 MHz over 0.5 MHz is associated with acrosome integrity with a cut-off threshold at 0.86 (sensitivity 98%, specificity 97%). In short, we have demonstrated that acrosome integrity can be determined using opacity, illustrating that microfluidic impedance cytometers have the potential to become a versatile and efficient alternative in semen analysis and for fertility treatments in the veterinary industry and human fertility clinics.
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DEVELOPMENT OF A MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEM STRUCTURED ON A MODIFIED POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE DEVICE FOR THE SELECTION OF BOVINE EPIDIDYMAL SPERMATOZOA. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 110:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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8
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Ataei A, Kabir MA, Lau AWC, Asghar W. Rheotaxis-based microfluidic device for selecting sperm from samples infected with a virus. F&S SCIENCE 2021; 2:376-382. [PMID: 35559860 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the presented rheotaxis-based microfluidic device could be used to separate spermatozoa from viruses (i.e., Zika) in the infected semen sample during the selection and washing process. DESIGN Quantitative and experimental study of the sperm washing/selection process through the microfluidic platform exploiting the positive rheotaxis of sperm. SETTING None. PATIENT(S) None. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Human sperm were purchased from a sperm bank. The raw semen sample was mixed with viruses and loaded into a microfluidic device. Experiments were performed with 2 different flow rates (0 and 25 μL/minute) to investigate the washing efficiency of the device in the sperm selection process. The sperm sample was collected after 45 minutes and analyzed to check whether the collected sample is free of any infections (viruses) after isolation. RESULT(S) Fluorescent microscopy and quantitative polymerase chain reaction-based analysis showed that the sperm selected with the presented rheotaxis-based microfluidic device at the optimal flow rate (25 μL/minute) was free of any viruses. CONCLUSION(S) We have developed a simple, cost-effective microfluidic device that mimics the conditions of the female genital tract while washing out the raw semen efficiently during the selection process for assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afrouz Ataei
- Department of Physics, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida; Asghar Lab, Micro and Nanotechnology in Medicine, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida
| | - Md Alamgir Kabir
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida; Asghar Lab, Micro and Nanotechnology in Medicine, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida
| | - Andy W C Lau
- Department of Physics, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida
| | - Waseem Asghar
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida; Asghar Lab, Micro and Nanotechnology in Medicine, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida.
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9
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Abstract
Sperm selection is a clinical need for guided fertilization in men with low-quality semen. In this regard, microfluidics can provide an enabling platform for the precise manipulation and separation of high-quality sperm cells through applying various stimuli, including chemical agents, mechanical forces, and thermal gradients. In addition, microfluidic platforms can help to guide sperms and oocytes for controlled in vitro fertilization or sperm sorting using both passive and active methods. Herein, we present a detailed review of the use of various microfluidic methods for sorting and categorizing sperms for different applications. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are further discussed and future perspectives in the field are given.
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10
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Weng L. IVF-on-a-Chip: Recent Advances in Microfluidics Technology for In Vitro Fertilization. SLAS Technol 2019; 24:373-385. [PMID: 31145861 DOI: 10.1177/2472630319851765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In vitro fertilization (IVF) has been one of the most exciting modern medical technologies. It has transformed the landscape of human infertility treatment. However, current IVF procedures still provide limited accessibility and affordability to most infertile couples because of the multiple cumbersome processes and heavy dependence on technically skilled personnel. Microfluidics technology offers unique opportunities to automate IVF procedures, reduce stress imposed upon gametes and embryos, and minimize the operator-to-operator variability. This article describes the rapidly evolving state of the application of microfluidics technology in the field of IVF, summarizes the diverse angles of how microfluidics has been complementing or transforming current IVF protocols, and discusses the challenges that motivate continued innovation in this field.
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11
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Wu JK, Chen PC, Lin YN, Wang CW, Pan LC, Tseng FG. High-throughput flowing upstream sperm sorting in a retarding flow field for human semen analysis. Analyst 2018; 142:938-944. [PMID: 28220153 DOI: 10.1039/c6an02420c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we propose a microfluidic device capable of generating a retarding flow field for the sorting and separation of human motile sperm in a high-throughput manner. The proposed sorting/separation process begins with a rapid flow field in a straight-flow zone to carry sperm into a sorting zone to maintain the sperm's mobility. The sorting zone consists of a diffuser-type sperm sorter to differentiate sperm with different motilities based on the flowing upstream nature of human sperm in a retarding flow field. The dead sperm will then be separated from the live ones by passing through a dumbbell flow field to the outlet for disposal. The proposed flowing upstream sperm sorter (FUSS) is designed to imitate the selection mechanism found in the female body when sperm swim into the uterus. The experimental results demonstrate the utility of this device with regard to throughput (approximately 200 000 sperm per minute and a maximum of 200 million cells per mL), efficiency (90% of selected sperm are mobile), and the ability to select sperm with high motility (∼20% of sperm with a velocity exceeding 120 μm s-1). The proposed device is suitable for intrauterine insemination as well as in vitro fertilization thanks to the highly efficient sorting process not interfering with the natural function and energy resource of human sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Kuei Wu
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, Taiwan 30013, Republic of China.
| | - Peng-Chun Chen
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, Taiwan 30013, Republic of China.
| | - Yu-Nan Lin
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, Taiwan 30013, Republic of China.
| | - Chia-Woei Wang
- Department of General Education, Taipei Medical University, No. 250, Wuxing Street, Taipei, Taiwan 11031, Republic of China
| | - Li-Chern Pan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Taipei Medical University and Hospital, No. 250, Wuxing Street, Taipei city, Taiwan 11031, Republic of China.
| | - Fan-Gang Tseng
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, Taiwan 30013, Republic of China. and Division of Mechanics, Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
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12
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Live births from artificial insemination of microfluidic-sorted bovine spermatozoa characterized by trajectories correlated with fertility. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E3087-E3096. [PMID: 29555773 PMCID: PMC5889641 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1717974115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Selection of functional spermatozoa plays a crucial role in assisted reproduction. Passage of spermatozoa through the female reproductive tract requires progressive motility to locate the oocyte. This preferential ability to reach the fertilization site confers fertility advantage to spermatozoa. Current routine sperm selection techniques are inadequate and fail to provide conclusive evidence on the sperm characteristics that may affect fertilization. We therefore developed a selection strategy for functional and progressively motile bovine spermatozoa with high DNA integrity based on the ability to cross laminar flow streamlines in a diffuser-type microfluidic sperm sorter (DMSS). The fluid dynamics, with respect to microchannel geometry and design, are relevant in the propulsion of spermatozoa and, consequently, ultrahigh-throughput sorting. Sorted spermatozoa were assessed for kinematic parameters, acrosome reaction, mitochondrial membrane potential, and DNA integrity. Kinematic and trajectory patterns were used to identify fertility-related subpopulations: the rapid, straighter, progressive, nonsinuous pattern (PN) and the transitional, sinuous pattern (TS). In contrast to the conventional notion that the fertilizing spermatozoon is always vigorously motile and more linear, our results demonstrate that sinuous patterns are associated with fertility and correspond to truly functional spermatozoa as supported by more live births produced from predominant TS than PN subpopulation in the inseminate. Our findings ascertain the true practical application significance of microfluidic sorting of functional sperm characterized by sinuous trajectories that can serve as a behavioral sperm phenotype marker for fertility potential. More broadly, we foresee the clinical application of this sorting technology to assisted reproduction in humans.
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13
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Ishimoto K, Gadêlha H, Gaffney EA, Smith DJ, Kirkman-Brown J. Human sperm swimming in a high viscosity mucus analogue. J Theor Biol 2018; 446:1-10. [PMID: 29462624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2018.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Remarkably, mammalian sperm maintain a substantive proportion of their progressive swimming speed within highly viscous fluids, including those of the female reproductive tract. Here, we analyse the digital microscopy of a human sperm swimming in a highly viscous, weakly elastic mucus analogue. We exploit principal component analysis to simplify its flagellar beat pattern, from which boundary element calculations are used to determine the time-dependent flow field around the sperm cell. The sperm flow field is further approximated in terms of regularised point forces, and estimates of the mechanical power consumption are determined, for comparison with analogous low viscosity media studies. This highlights extensive differences in the structure of the flows surrounding human sperm in different media, indicating how the cell-cell and cell-boundary hydrodynamic interactions significantly differ with the physical microenvironment. The regularised point force decomposition also provides cell-level information that may ultimately be incorporated into sperm population models. We further observe indications that the core feature in explaining the effectiveness of sperm swimming in high viscosity media is the loss of cell yawing, which is related with a greater density of regularised point force singularities along the axis of symmetry of the flagellar beat to represent the flow field. In turn this implicates a reduction of the wavelength of the distal beat pattern - and hence dynamical wavelength selection of the flagellar beat - as the dominant feature governing the effectiveness of sperm swimming in highly viscous media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Ishimoto
- Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; The Hakubi Center for Advanced Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
| | - Hermes Gadêlha
- Department of Mathematics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; Centre for Human Reproductive Science, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B15 2TG, UK
| | - Eamonn A Gaffney
- Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - David J Smith
- School of Mathematics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Institute for Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Centre for Human Reproductive Science, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B15 2TG, UK
| | - Jackson Kirkman-Brown
- Institute for Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Centre for Human Reproductive Science, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B15 2TG, UK
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14
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Suarez SS, Wu M. Microfluidic devices for the study of sperm migration. Mol Hum Reprod 2017; 23:227-234. [PMID: 27385726 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics technology offers us an opportunity to model the biophysical and biochemical environments encountered by sperm moving through the female reproductive tract and, at the same time, to study sperm swimming dynamics at a quantitative level. In humans, coitus results in the deposition of sperm in the vagina at the entrance to the cervix. Consequently, sperm must swim or be drawn through the cervix, uterus, uterotubal junction and oviductal isthmus to reach the oocyte in the oviductal ampulla. Only a very small percentage of inseminated sperm reach the ampulla in the periovulatory period, indicating that strong selection pressures act on sperm during migration. A better understanding of how sperm interact with the female tract would inspire improvements in diagnosis of fertility problems and development of novel-assisted reproductive technologies that minimize damage to sperm and mimic natural selection pressures on sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Suarez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - M Wu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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15
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Štiavnická M, Abril-Parreño L, Nevoral J, Králíčková M, García-Álvarez O. Non-Invasive Approaches to Epigenetic-Based Sperm Selection. Med Sci Monit 2017; 23:4677-4683. [PMID: 28961228 PMCID: PMC5633068 DOI: 10.12659/msm.904098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since sperm size and form do not necessarily provide information on internal sperm structures, novel sperm markers need to be found in order to conduct assisted reproductive therapies (ART) successfully. Currently, the priority of andrologists is not only to select those sperm able to fertilize the oocyte, but also a high quality of sperm that will guarantee a healthy embryo. Evidence of this shows us the importance of studying sperm intensively on genetic and epigenetic levels, because these could probably be the cause of a percentage of infertility diagnosed as idiopathic. Thus, more attention is being paid to posttranslational modifications as the key for better understanding of the fertilization process and its impact on embryo and offspring. Advances in the discovery of new sperm markers should go hand in hand with finding appropriate techniques for selecting the healthiest sperm, guaranteeing its non-invasiveness. To date, most sperm selection techniques can be harmful to sperm due to centrifugation or staining procedures. Some methods, such as microfluidic techniques, sperm nanopurifications, and Raman spectroscopy, have the potential to make selection gentle to sperm, tracking small abnormalities undetected by methods currently used. The fact that live cells could be analyzed without harmful effects creates the expectation of using them routinely in ART. In this review, we focus on the combination of sperm epigenetic status (modifications) as quality markers, with non-invasive sperm selection methods as novel approaches to improve ART outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriama Štiavnická
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Laura Abril-Parreño
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Nevoral
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Milena Králíčková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Olga García-Álvarez
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
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16
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Son J, Samuel R, Gale BK, Carrell DT, Hotaling JM. Separation of sperm cells from samples containing high concentrations of white blood cells using a spiral channel. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2017; 11:054106. [PMID: 29034050 PMCID: PMC5617737 DOI: 10.1063/1.4994548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technology has potential to separate sperm cells from unwanted debris while improving the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Current clinical protocol limitations regarding the separation of sperm cells from other cells/cellular debris can lead to low sperm recovery when the sample contains a low concentration of mostly low motility sperm cells and a high concentration of unwanted cells/cellular debris, such as in semen samples from patients with pyospermia [high white blood cell (WBC) semen]. This study demonstrates label-free separation of sperm cells from such semen samples using inertial microfluidics. The approach does not require any externally applied forces except the movement of the fluid sample through the instrument. Using this approach, it was possible to recover not only any motile sperm, but also viable less-motile and non-motile sperm cells with high recovery rates. Our results demonstrate the ability of inertial microfluidics to significantly reduce WBC concentration by flow focusing of target WBCs within a spiral channel flow. The estimated sample process time was more rapid (∼5 min) and autonomous than the conventional method (gradient centrifuge sperm wash; ∼1 h). A mixture of sperm/WBC was injected as the device input and 83% of sperm cells and 93% of WBCs were collected separately from two distinct outlets. The results show promise for enhancing sperm samples through inertial flow processing of WBCs and sperm cells that can provide an advantage to ART procedures such as sample preparation for intrauterine insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoung Son
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Raheel Samuel
- Urology Division of Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA
| | - Bruce K Gale
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Douglas T Carrell
- Urology Division of Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA
| | - James M Hotaling
- Urology Division of Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA
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17
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Münch JL, Alizadehrad D, Babu SB, Stark H. Taylor line swimming in microchannels and cubic lattices of obstacles. SOFT MATTER 2016; 12:7350-7363. [PMID: 27510576 DOI: 10.1039/c6sm01304j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Microorganisms naturally move in microstructured fluids. Using the simulation method of multi-particle collision dynamics, we study in two dimensions an undulatory Taylor line swimming in a microchannel and in a cubic lattice of obstacles, which represent simple forms of a microstructured environment. In the microchannel the Taylor line swims at an acute angle along a channel wall with a clearly enhanced swimming speed due to hydrodynamic interactions with the bounding wall. While in a dilute obstacle lattice swimming speed is also enhanced, a dense obstacle lattice gives rise to geometric swimming. This new type of swimming is characterized by a drastically increased swimming speed. Since the Taylor line has to fit into the free space of the obstacle lattice, the swimming speed is close to the phase velocity of the bending wave traveling along the Taylor line. While adjusting its swimming motion within the lattice, the Taylor line chooses a specific swimming direction, which we classify by a lattice vector. When plotting the swimming velocity versus the magnitude of the lattice vector, all our data collapse on a single master curve. Finally, we also report more complex trajectories within the obstacle lattice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan L Münch
- Institut für Theoretische Physik, Technische Universität Berlin, Hardenbergstr. 36, D-10623 Berlin, Germany.
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18
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Sperm processing for advanced reproductive technologies: Where are we today? Biotechnol Adv 2016; 34:578-587. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 01/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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19
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Spermometer: electrical characterization of single boar sperm motility. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:773-780.e6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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20
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Samuel R, Badamjav O, Murphy KE, Patel DP, Son J, Gale BK, Carrell DT, Hotaling JM. Microfluidics: The future of microdissection TESE? Syst Biol Reprod Med 2016; 62:161-70. [PMID: 27104311 DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2016.1159748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a severe form of infertility accounting for 10% of infertile men. Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) includes a set of clinical protocols from which viable sperm are collected from patients (suffering from NOA), for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Clinical protocols associated with the processing of a microTESE sample are inefficient and significantly reduce the success of obtaining a viable sperm population. In this review we highlight the sources of these inefficiencies and how these sources can possibly be removed by microfluidic technology and single-cell Raman spectroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheel Samuel
- a Andrology and IVF Laboratories, University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA.,b Department of Mechanical Engineering , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA
| | - Odgerel Badamjav
- a Andrology and IVF Laboratories, University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA
| | - Kristin E Murphy
- c Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA
| | - Darshan P Patel
- d Division of Urology, Department of Surgery , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA
| | - Jiyoung Son
- e Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA
| | - Bruce K Gale
- b Department of Mechanical Engineering , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA
| | - Douglas T Carrell
- a Andrology and IVF Laboratories, University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA.,d Division of Urology, Department of Surgery , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA
| | - James M Hotaling
- a Andrology and IVF Laboratories, University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA.,d Division of Urology, Department of Surgery , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA
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21
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Knowlton SM, Sadasivam M, Tasoglu S. Microfluidics for sperm research. Trends Biotechnol 2015; 33:221-9. [PMID: 25798781 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2015.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
One in six couples of reproductive age worldwide are affected at least once by some form of infertility. In vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are widely-available assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The identification and isolation of the most-motile sperm with DNA integrity are essential to IVF and ICSI, ultimately affecting treatment consequences and the health of offspring. Recently, microfluidic technologies been developed to sort sperm according to sperm morphology, motility, DNA integrity, and functionality for IVF techniques. There have also been emerging applications in wildlife conservation, high-throughput single-sperm genomics, sperm-driven robotics, and in-home fertility testing. We review a broad range of studies applying the principles of microfluidics to sperm research.
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Generation of Gradients on a Microfluidic Device: Toward a High-Throughput Investigation of Spermatozoa Chemotaxis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142555. [PMID: 26555941 PMCID: PMC4640579 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Various research tools have been used for in vitro detection of sperm chemotaxis. However, they are typically poor in maintenance of gradient stability, not to mention their low efficiency. Microfluidic device offers a new experimental platform for better control over chemical concentration gradient than traditional ones. In the present study, an easy-handle diffusion-based microfluidic chip was established. This device allowed for conduction of three parallel experiments on the same chip, and improved the performance of sperm chemotaxis research. In such a chip, there were six channels surrounding a hexagonal pool. The channels are connected to the hexagon by microchannels. Firstly, the fluid flow in the system was characterized; secondly, fluorescein solution was used to calibrate gradient profiles formed in the central hexagon; thirdly, sperm behavior was observed under two concentration gradients of progesterone (100 pM and 1 mM, respectively) as a validation of the device. Significant differences in chemotactic parameters were recognized between experimental and control groups (p < 0.05). Compared with control group, sperm motility was greatly enhanced in 1 mM group (p < 0.05), but no significant difference was found in 100 pM group. In conclusion, we proposed a microfluidic device for the study of sperm chemotaxis that was capable of generating multi-channel gradients on a chip and would help reduce experimental errors and save time in experiment.
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23
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Elsayed M, El-Sherry TM, Abdelgawad M. Development of computer-assisted sperm analysis plugin for analyzing sperm motion in microfluidic environments using Image-J. Theriogenology 2015; 84:1367-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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24
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de Wagenaar B, Berendsen JTW, Bomer JG, Olthuis W, van den Berg A, Segerink LI. Microfluidic single sperm entrapment and analysis. LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:1294-301. [PMID: 25578490 DOI: 10.1039/c4lc01425a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Selection of healthy spermatozoa is of crucial importance for the success rates of assisted reproduction technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection. Although sperm selection for ART procedures is predominantly based on sperm motility, successful fertilization is not predicted by good motility alone. For example, sperm characteristics such as the acrosome state and DNA integrity have shown significant impact on ART outcome. Although fertilization can be achieved with a single spermatozoon of high quality, current quality assessments are population-based and do not allow investigation of multiple sperm characteristics on a single spermatozoon simultaneously. In order to study sperm cells on the single cell level, we designed and characterized a PDMS microfluidic platform that allows single sperm entrapment. After spatially confining individual sperm cells within microfluidic cell traps, the cell viability, chromosomal content and acrosome state were studied. This platform is suitable for the analysis of individual sperm cells, which could be exploited for (non-invasive) sperm analysis and selection by impedance or Raman spectroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- B de Wagenaar
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ and MIRA Institutes, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
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25
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Guidobaldi HA, Jeyaram Y, Condat CA, Oviedo M, Berdakin I, Moshchalkov VV, Giojalas LC, Silhanek AV, Marconi VI. Disrupting the wall accumulation of human sperm cells by artificial corrugation. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2015; 9:024122. [PMID: 26015834 PMCID: PMC4409620 DOI: 10.1063/1.4918979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Many self-propelled microorganisms are attracted to surfaces. This makes their dynamics in restricted geometries very different from that observed in the bulk. Swimming along walls is beneficial for directing and sorting cells, but may be detrimental if homogeneous populations are desired, such as in counting microchambers. In this work, we characterize the motion of human sperm cells ∼60 μm long, strongly confined to ∼25 μm shallow chambers. We investigate the nature of the cell trajectories between the confining surfaces and their accumulation near the borders. Observed cell trajectories are composed of a succession of quasi-circular and quasi-linear segments. This suggests that the cells follow a path of intermittent trappings near the top and bottom surfaces separated by stretches of quasi-free motion in between the two surfaces, as confirmed by depth resolved confocal microscopy studies. We show that the introduction of artificial petal-shaped corrugation in the lateral boundaries removes the tendency of cells to accumulate near the borders, an effect which we hypothesize may be valuable for microfluidic applications in biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- H A Guidobaldi
- IIByT-CONICET and FCEFyN, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba , X5016GCA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Y Jeyaram
- Institute for Nanoscale Physics and Chemistry , KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - C A Condat
- FaMAF, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and IFEG-CONICET , X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M Oviedo
- IIByT-CONICET and FCEFyN, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba , X5016GCA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - I Berdakin
- FaMAF, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and IFEG-CONICET , X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - V V Moshchalkov
- Institute for Nanoscale Physics and Chemistry , KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - L C Giojalas
- IIByT-CONICET and FCEFyN, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba , X5016GCA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - A V Silhanek
- Départment de Physique, Université de Liège , B-4000 Sart Tilman, Belgium
| | - V I Marconi
- FaMAF, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and IFEG-CONICET , X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
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26
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El-Sherry TM, Elsayed M, Abdelhafez HK, Abdelgawad M. Characterization of rheotaxis of bull sperm using microfluidics. Integr Biol (Camb) 2014; 6:1111-21. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ib00196f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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27
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Tung CK, Ardon F, Fiore A, Suarez SS, Wu M. Cooperative roles of biological flow and surface topography in guiding sperm migration revealed by a microfluidic model. LAB ON A CHIP 2014; 14:1348-56. [PMID: 24535032 PMCID: PMC4497544 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc51297e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Successful reproduction in mammals requires sperm to swim against a fluid flow and through the long and complex female reproductive tract before reaching the egg in the oviduct. Millions of them do not make it. Despite their clinical importance, the roles played in sperm migration by the diverse biophysical and biochemical microenvironments within the reproductive tract are largely unknown. In this article, we present the development of a double layer microfluidic device that recreates two important biophysical environments within the female reproductive tract: fluid flow and surface topography. The unique feature of the device is that it enables one to study the cooperative roles of fluid flow and surface topography in guiding sperm migration. Using bull sperm as a model system, we found that microfluidic grooves embedded on a channel surface facilitate sperm migration against fluid flow. These findings suggest ways to design in vitro fertilization devices to treat infertility and to develop non-invasive contraceptives that use a microarchitectural design to entrap sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-kuan Tung
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Florencia Ardon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Alyssa Fiore
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Susan S. Suarez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Mingming Wu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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28
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Guidobaldi A, Jeyaram Y, Berdakin I, Moshchalkov VV, Condat CA, Marconi VI, Giojalas L, Silhanek AV. Geometrical guidance and trapping transition of human sperm cells. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2014; 89:032720. [PMID: 24730887 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.89.032720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The guidance of human sperm cells under confinement in quasi-2D microchambers is investigated using a purely physical method to control their distribution. Transport property measurements and simulations are performed with diluted sperm populations, for which effects of geometrical guidance and concentration are studied in detail. In particular, a trapping transition at convex angular wall features is identified and analyzed. We also show that highly efficient microratchets can be fabricated by using curved asymmetric obstacles to take advantage of the spermatozoa specific swimming strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Guidobaldi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, CONICET and Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, 5000-Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Y Jeyaram
- Institute for Nanoscale Physics and Chemistry, KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - I Berdakin
- Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and IFEG-CONICET, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - V V Moshchalkov
- Institute for Nanoscale Physics and Chemistry, KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - C A Condat
- Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and IFEG-CONICET, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - V I Marconi
- Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and IFEG-CONICET, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - L Giojalas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, CONICET and Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, 5000-Córdoba, Argentina
| | - A V Silhanek
- Département de Physique, Université de Liège, B-4000 Sart Tilman, Belgium
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29
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Li Z, Liu W, Qiu T, Xie L, Chen W, Liu R, Lu Y, Mitchelson K, Wang J, Qiao J, Cheng J. The construction of an interfacial valve-based microfluidic chip for thermotaxis evaluation of human sperm. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2014; 8:024102. [PMID: 24803958 PMCID: PMC3987097 DOI: 10.1063/1.4866851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Thermotaxis has been demonstrated to be an important criterion for sperm evaluation, yet clinical assessment of thermotaxis capacity is currently lacking. In this article, the on-chip thermotaxis evaluation of human sperm is presented for the first time using an interfacial valve-facilitated microfluidic device. The temperature gradient was established and accurately controlled by an external temperature gradient control system. The temperature gradient responsive sperm population was enriched into one of the branch channels with higher temperature setting and the non-responsive ones were evenly distributed into the two branch channels. We employed air-liquid interfacial valves to ensure stable isolation of the two branches, facilitating convenient manipulation of the entrapped sperm. With this device, thermotactic responses were observed in 5.7%-10.6% of the motile sperm moving through four temperature ranges (34.0-35.3 °C, 35.0-36.3 °C, 36.0-37.3 °C, and 37.0-38.3 °C, respectively). In conclusion, we have developed a new method for high throughput clinical evaluation of sperm thermotaxis and this method may allow other researchers to derive better IVF procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoqi Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing 100084, China ; National Engineering Research Center for Beijing Biochip Technology, 18 Life Science Parkway, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Weiran Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing 100084, China ; National Engineering Research Center for Beijing Biochip Technology, 18 Life Science Parkway, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Tian Qiu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing 100084, China ; National Engineering Research Center for Beijing Biochip Technology, 18 Life Science Parkway, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Lan Xie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing 100084, China ; National Engineering Research Center for Beijing Biochip Technology, 18 Life Science Parkway, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Weixing Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing 100084, China ; National Engineering Research Center for Beijing Biochip Technology, 18 Life Science Parkway, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Ran Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing 100084, China ; National Engineering Research Center for Beijing Biochip Technology, 18 Life Science Parkway, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Keith Mitchelson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing 100084, China ; National Engineering Research Center for Beijing Biochip Technology, 18 Life Science Parkway, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jundong Wang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center of Reproduction Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital of Peking University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jing Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing 100084, China ; National Engineering Research Center for Beijing Biochip Technology, 18 Life Science Parkway, Beijing 102206, China ; The State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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30
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Di Caprio G, El Mallahi A, Ferraro P, Dale R, Coppola G, Dale B, Coppola G, Dubois F. 4D tracking of clinical seminal samples for quantitative characterization of motility parameters. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2014; 5:690-700. [PMID: 24688806 PMCID: PMC3959837 DOI: 10.1364/boe.5.000690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Revised: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we investigate the use of a digital holographic microscope, with partial spatial coherent illumination, for the automated detection and tracking of spermatozoa. This in vitro technique for the analysis of quantitative parameters is useful for assessment of semen quality. In fact, thanks to the capabilities of digital holography, the developed algorithm allows us to resolve in-focus amplitude and phase maps of the cells under study, independently of focal plane of the sample image. We have characterized cell motility on clinical samples of seminal fluid. In particular, anomalous sperm cells were characterized and the quantitative motility parameters were compared to those of normal sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Di Caprio
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems, Unit of Naples - National Research Council, Naples 80121, Italy
- Currently at the Rowland Institute at Harvard, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Ahmed El Mallahi
- Microgravity Research Centre, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
| | - Pietro Ferraro
- National Institute of Optics, Unit of Naples - National Research Council, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Roberta Dale
- Center for Assisted Fertilization - CFA, Naples 80123, Italy
| | | | - Brian Dale
- Center for Assisted Fertilization - CFA, Naples 80123, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Coppola
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems, Unit of Naples - National Research Council, Naples 80121, Italy
| | - Frank Dubois
- Microgravity Research Centre, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
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31
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Tasoglu S, Safaee H, Zhang X, Kingsley JL, Catalano PN, Gurkan UA, Nureddin A, Kayaalp E, Anchan RM, Maas RL, Tüzel E, Demirci U. Exhaustion of racing sperm in nature-mimicking microfluidic channels during sorting. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2013; 9:3374-84. [PMID: 23677651 PMCID: PMC3821799 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201300020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization is central to the survival and propagation of a species, however, the precise mechanisms that regulate the sperm's journey to the egg are not well understood. In nature, the sperm has to swim through the cervical mucus, akin to a microfluidic channel. Inspired by this, a simple, cost-effective microfluidic channel is designed on the same scale. The experimental results are supported by a computational model incorporating the exhaustion time of sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savas Tasoglu
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Center for Bioengineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hooman Safaee
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Center for Bioengineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Center for Bioengineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James L. Kingsley
- Department of Physics, 100 Institute Road, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609
| | - Paolo N. Catalano
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Center for Bioengineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Umut Atakan Gurkan
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Center for Bioengineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aida Nureddin
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Center for Bioengineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emre Kayaalp
- Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Raymond M. Anchan
- Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery, Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard L. Maas
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erkan Tüzel
- Department of Physics, 100 Institute Road, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609
| | - Utkan Demirci
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Center for Bioengineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Tasoglu S, Gurkan UA, Wang S, Demirci U. Manipulating biological agents and cells in micro-scale volumes for applications in medicine. Chem Soc Rev 2013; 42:5788-808. [PMID: 23575660 PMCID: PMC3865707 DOI: 10.1039/c3cs60042d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent technological advances provide new tools to manipulate cells and biological agents in micro/nano-liter volumes. With precise control over small volumes, the cell microenvironment and other biological agents can be bioengineered; interactions between cells and external stimuli can be monitored; and the fundamental mechanisms such as cancer metastasis and stem cell differentiation can be elucidated. Technological advances based on the principles of electrical, magnetic, chemical, optical, acoustic, and mechanical forces lead to novel applications in point-of-care diagnostics, regenerative medicine, in vitro drug testing, cryopreservation, and cell isolation/purification. In this review, we first focus on the underlying mechanisms of emerging examples for cell manipulation in small volumes targeting applications such as tissue engineering. Then, we illustrate how these mechanisms impact the aforementioned biomedical applications, discuss the associated challenges, and provide perspectives for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savas Tasoglu
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Division of Biomedical Engineering and Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Umut Atakan Gurkan
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Division of Biomedical Engineering and Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - ShuQi Wang
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Division of Biomedical Engineering and Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Utkan Demirci
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Division of Biomedical Engineering and Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Chen CY, Chiang TC, Lin CM, Lin SS, Jong DS, Tsai VFS, Hsieh JT, Wo AM. Sperm quality assessment via separation and sedimentation in a microfluidic device. Analyst 2013; 138:4967-74. [PMID: 23817531 DOI: 10.1039/c3an00900a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A major reason for infertility is due to male factors, including the quality of spermatozoa, which is a primary factor and often difficult to assess, particularly the total sperm concentration and its motile percentage. This work presents a simple microfluidic device to assess sperm quality by quantifying both total and motile sperm counts. The key design feature of the microfluidic device is two channels separated by a permeative phase-guide structure, where one channel is filled with raw semen and the other with pure buffer. The semen sample was allowed to reach equilibrium in both chambers, whereas non-motile sperms remained in the original channel, and roughly half of the motile sperms would swim across the phase-guide barrier into the buffer channel. Sperms in each channel agglomerated into pellets after centrifugation, with the corresponding area representing total and motile sperm concentrations. Total sperm concentration up to 10(8) sperms per ml and motile percentage in the range of 10-70% were tested, encompassing the cutoff value of 40% stated by World Health Organization standards. Results from patient samples show compact and robust pellets after centrifugation. Comparison of total sperm concentration between the microfluidic device and the Makler chamber reveal they agree within 5% and show strong correlation, with a coefficient of determination of R(2) = 0.97. Motile sperm count between the microfluidic device and the Makler chamber agrees within 5%, with a coefficient of determination of R(2) = 0.84. Comparison of results from the Makler Chamber, sperm quality analyzer, and the microfluidic device revealed that results from the microfluidic device agree well with the Makler chamber. The sperm microfluidic chip analyzes both total and motile sperm concentrations in one spin, is accurate and easy to use, and should enable sperm quality analysis with ease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Yu Chen
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, 1 Roosevelt Road, Section 4, Taipei 106, Taiwan
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Swain JE, Lai D, Takayama S, Smith GD. Thinking big by thinking small: application of microfluidic technology to improve ART. LAB ON A CHIP 2013; 13:1213-24. [PMID: 23400523 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc41290c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) laboratories often carry a penchant to resist change while in the pursuit of maintaining consistency in laboratory conditions. However, implementation of new technology is often critical to expand scientific discoveries and to improve upon prior successes to advance the field. Microfluidic platforms represent a technology that has the potential to revolutionize the fundamental processes of IVF. While the focus of microfluidic application in IVF has centered on embryo culture, the innovative platforms carry tremendous potential to improve other procedural steps and represents a possible paradigm shift in how we handle gametes and embryos. The following review will highlight application of various microfluidic platforms in IVF for use in maturation, manipulation, culture, cryopreservation and non-invasive quality assessment; pointing out new insights gained into functions of sperm, oocytes and embryos. Platform design and function will also be discussed, focusing on limitations, advancements and future refinements that can further aid in their clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Swain
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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35
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Um SH. Observation of a mouse sperm motility in a natural uterine tube-inspired microfluidic channel. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-013-7107-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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36
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Chen YA, Chen KC, Tsai VFS, Huang ZW, Hsieh JT, Wo AM. Direct Characterization of Motion-Dependent Parameters of Sperm in a Microfluidic Device: Proof of Principle. Clin Chem 2013; 59:493-501. [DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2012.190686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Semen analysis is essential for evaluating male infertility. Besides sperm concentration, other properties, such as motility and morphology, are critical indicators in assessing sperm quality. Nevertheless, rapid and complete assessment of these measures still presents considerable difficulty and involves a range of complex issues. Here we present a microfluidic device capable of quantifying a range of properties of human sperm via the resistive pulse technique (RPT).
METHODS
An aperture, designed as a long channel, was used to allow the quantification of various properties as sperm swam through.
RESULTS
The time trace of the voltage drop across the aperture during sperm passage contained a wealth of information: the sperm volume was presented by the amplitude of the induced pulse, the swim velocity was evaluated via the duration, and the beat frequency was calculated from the voltage undulation superposed on the pulse signal. The RPT measurement of swim velocity and beat frequency showed a correlation with the same observation in a microscope (R2 = 0.94 and 0.70, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
The proposed proof of principle enables substantial quantification of the motion-dependent properties of sperm. Because this approach requires only a current/voltage source and data analysis, it is economically advantageous compared with optical methods for characterizing sperm motion. Furthermore, this approach may be used to characterize sperm morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-An Chen
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - Ken-Chao Chen
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - Vincent FS Tsai
- Department of Urology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Zi-Wei Huang
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - Ju-Ton Hsieh
- Department of Urology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Andrew M Wo
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
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Matsuura K, Uozumi T, Furuichi T, Sugimoto I, Kodama M, Funahashi H. A microfluidic device to reduce treatment time of intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Fertil Steril 2012; 99:400-7. [PMID: 23122951 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2011] [Revised: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a microfluidic device that can reduce the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment time by increasing sperm concentration. DESIGN We compared the ICSI treatment time required for porcine sperm using a method employing the microfluidic device and one using the conventional microdroplet method. SETTINGS Academic research laboratories at Okayama University. ANIMAL(S) Reproductive cells of porcine sperm, oocytes, and embryos. INTERVENTION(S) Cell manipulations, ICSI, and embryo culture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Average ICSI treatment time and sperm concentration. RESULT(S) The average ICSI treatment time (mean ± SEM) using the method with the microfluidic device for poor-quality semen (sperm concentration, 2.0 × 10(4) cells/mL) was significantly shorter than the treatment time using the conventional microdroplet method (265 ± 15 seconds [n = 43] vs. 347 ± 19 seconds [n = 50]). When diluted semen with a sperm concentration of 2.0 × 10(5) cells/mL was used, no significant difference was observed between the two methods (n = 50 and n = 48). CONCLUSION(S) The microfluidic device can reduce the time required for ICSI treatment that is used to increase sperm concentration in poor-quality semen samples. The results suggest that this device may be clinically useful for ICSI treatment in human assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Matsuura
- Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.
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38
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Rosales-Cruzaley E, Cota-Elizondo PA, Sánchez D, Lapizco-Encinas BH. Sperm cells manipulation employing dielectrophoresis. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2012; 36:1353-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s00449-012-0838-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Park DS, Egnatchik RA, Bordelon H, Tiersch TR, Monroe WT. Microfluidic mixing for sperm activation and motility analysis of pearl Danio zebrafish. Theriogenology 2012; 78:334-44. [PMID: 22494680 PMCID: PMC3640303 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Revised: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sperm viability in aquatic species is increasingly being evaluated by motility analysis via computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) following activation of sperm with manual dilution and mixing by hand. User variation can limit the speed and control over the activation process, preventing consistent motility analysis. This is further complicated by the short interval (i.e., less than 15 s) of burst motility in these species. The objectives of this study were to develop a staggered herringbone microfluidic mixer to: 1) activate small volumes of Danio pearl zebrafish (Danio albolineatus) sperm by rapid mixing with diluent, and 2) position sperm in a viewing chamber for motility evaluation using a standard CASA system. A herringbone micromixer was fabricated in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to yield high quality smooth surfaces. Based on fluorescence microscopy, mixing efficiency exceeding 90% was achieved within 5 s for a range of flow rates (from 50 to 250 μL/h), with a correlation of mixing distances and mixing efficiency. For example, at the nominal flow rate of 100 μL/h, there was a significant difference in mixing efficiency between 3.5 mm (75±4%; mean±SD) and 7 mm (92±2%; P=0.002). The PDMS micromixer, integrated with standard volumetric slides, demonstrated activation of fresh zebrafish sperm with reduced user variation, greater control, and without morphologic damage to sperm. Analysis of zebrafish sperm viability by CASA revealed a statistically higher motility rate for activation by micromixing (56±4%) than manual activation (45±7%; n=5, P=0.011). This micromixer represented a first step in streamlining methods for consistent, rapid assessment of sperm quality for zebrafish and other aquatic species. The capability to rapidly activate sperm and consistently measure motility with CASA using the PDMS micromixer described herein will improve studies of germplasm physiology and cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S. Park
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, Louisiana State University and LSU Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Robert A. Egnatchik
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, Louisiana State University and LSU Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Hali Bordelon
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, Louisiana State University and LSU Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Terrence R. Tiersch
- Aquaculture Research Station, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - W. Todd Monroe
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, Louisiana State University and LSU Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
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40
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Meseguer M, Kruhne U, Laursen S. Full in vitro fertilization laboratory mechanization: toward robotic assisted reproduction? Fertil Steril 2012; 97:1277-86. [PMID: 22480821 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2011] [Revised: 03/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the current efforts made to standardize different steps of assisted reproductive technology processes by the introduction of new technologies for the nonsubjective sperm selection process, oocyte denudation by mechanical removal of cumulus cells, oocyte positioning, sperm motility screening, fertilization, embryo culture, media replacement by microfluidics, and monitoring of embryo development by time-lapse photography, embryo secretions, and/or O(2) consumption. These technologies could be integrated in a unique and fully automated device. DESIGN Pubmed database and research and development data from authors. SETTING University-affiliated private center. PATIENT(S) None. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT(S) None. RESULT(S) Several technologies would be useful for: 1) selection of sperm based on viability; 2) manipulation and removal of the cumulus cells' narrow channel regions combined with microfluidics; 3) advances in oocyte positioning precision through the use of joystick-controlled micromanipulators; 4) microfluidics allowing the gradual change of a culture medium, which might result in better embryo development as well as reduce the amount of embryo manipulation; 5) time-lapse, proteomic, and metabolic scoring of the developing embryo, allowing multiple and optimized selection of the embryos. The technologies described in this review have not yet reported reliable clinical proofs. CONCLUSION(S) We already have available some of the technologies described, but we envisage an integrated device, i.e., an IVF lab-on-a-chip, by which oocyte and sperm would be processed to achieve a perfect embryo ready to be delivered into the uterus. With such a device, sample preparation, chemical or biologic reactions, and data collection would be integrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Meseguer
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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41
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Matsuura K, Takenami M, Kuroda Y, Hyakutake T, Yanase S, Naruse K. Screening of sperm velocity by fluid mechanical characteristics of a cyclo-olefin polymer microfluidic sperm-sorting device. Reprod Biomed Online 2012; 24:109-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2011.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Revised: 09/07/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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42
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KO YJ, MAENG JH, LEE BC, LEE S, HWANG SY, AHN Y. Separation of Progressive Motile Sperm from Mouse Semen Using On-chip Chemotaxis. ANAL SCI 2012; 28:27-32. [DOI: 10.2116/analsci.28.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Jun KO
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School, Hanyang University
| | - Joon-Ho MAENG
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School, Hanyang University
| | - Byung-Chul LEE
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School, Hanyang University
| | - Seungwoo LEE
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School, Hanyang University
| | - Seung Yong HWANG
- Division of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University and GenoCheck Co. Ltd
| | - Yoomin AHN
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hanyang University
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43
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MATSUURA K, KURODA Y, YAMASHITA K, FUNAHASHI H. Hydrophobic Silicone Elastomer Chamber for Recording Trajectories of Motile Porcine Sperms without Adsorption. J Reprod Dev 2011; 57:163-7. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.10-075n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Koji MATSUURA
- Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama University
| | - Yuka KURODA
- Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama University
| | - Keisuke YAMASHITA
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama University
| | - Hiroaki FUNAHASHI
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama University
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Natural Sciences and Technologies, Okayama University
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44
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Han C, Zhang Q, Ma R, Xie L, Qiu T, Wang L, Mitchelson K, Wang J, Huang G, Qiao J, Cheng J. Integration of single oocyte trapping, in vitro fertilization and embryo culture in a microwell-structured microfluidic device. LAB ON A CHIP 2010; 10:2848-54. [PMID: 20844784 DOI: 10.1039/c005296e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
In vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy is an important treatment for human infertility. However, the methods for clinical IVF have only changed slightly over decades: culture medium is held in oil-covered drops in Petri dishes and manipulation occurs by manual pipetting. Here we report a novel microwell-structured microfluidic device that integrates single oocyte trapping, fertilization and subsequent embryo culture. A microwell array was used to capture and hold individual oocytes during the flow-through process of oocyte and sperm loading, medium substitution and debris cleaning. Different microwell depths were compared by computational modeling and flow washing experiments for their effectiveness in oocyte trapping and debris removal. Fertilization was achieved in the microfluidic devices with similar fertilization rates to standard oil-covered drops in Petri dishes. Embryos could be cultured to blastocyst stages in our devices with developmental status individually monitored and tracked. The results suggest that the microfluidic device may bring several advantages to IVF practices by simplifying oocyte handling and manipulation, allowing rapid and convenient medium changing, and enabling automated tracking of any single embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, 100084, China
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45
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Salieb-Beugelaar GB, Simone G, Arora A, Philippi A, Manz A. Latest developments in microfluidic cell biology and analysis systems. Anal Chem 2010; 82:4848-64. [PMID: 20462184 DOI: 10.1021/ac1009707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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46
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Krisher RL, Wheeler MB. Towards the use of microfluidics for individual embryo culture. Reprod Fertil Dev 2010; 22:32-9. [PMID: 20003843 DOI: 10.1071/rd09219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian embryo development is still relatively inefficient in vitro. Much research has been conducted on the chemical environment, or culture medium, surrounding the embryo, but little attention has been given to the actual physical culture environment, which has changed very little over the years. The application of microfluidics to embryo production in vitro is a tantalising approach that may alleviate some of the limits that traditional microdrop culture places on embryo development and research into gamete and embryo physiology. These devices may lead to enhanced in vitro embryo development and quality by more closely mimicking the in vivo environment. Initial work in this area is promising and gives us proof-of-principle that these unique microfluidic systems may indeed be applicable to in vitro culture of gametes and embryos. The present paper reviews the advantages of microfluidics for in vitro embryo production: how the platforms are manufactured, the current uses of microfluidics in assisted reproduction, static v. dynamic culture environments, individual gamete and embryo culture and the future directions of microfluidic application to in vitro embryo production and manipulation. Finally, preliminary data from our laboratory using a new microfluidic well insert for porcine, bovine and murine embryo culture is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Krisher
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61821, USA.
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