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Bhat GR, Lone FA, Dalal J. Microfluidics-A novel technique for high-quality sperm selection for greater ART outcomes. FASEB Bioadv 2024; 6:406-423. [PMID: 39372125 PMCID: PMC11452445 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2024-00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics represent a quality sperm selection technique. Human couples fail to conceive and this is so in a significant population of animals worldwide. Defects in male counterpart lead to failure of conception so are outcomes of assisted reproduction affected by quality of sperm. Microfluidics, deals with minute volumes (μL) of liquids run in small-scale microchannel networks in the form of laminar flow streamlines. Microfluidic sperm selection designs have been developed in chip formats, mimicking in vivo situations. Here sperms are selected and analyzed based on motility and sperm behavioral properties. Compared to conventional sperm selection methods, this selection method enables to produce high-quality motile sperm cells possessing non-damaged or least damaged DNA, achieve greater success of insemination in bovines, and achieve enhanced pregnancy rates and live births in assisted reproduction-in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Besides, the concentration of sperm available to oocyte can be controlled by regulating the flow rate in microfluidic chips. The challenges in this technology are commercialization of chips, development of fully functional species-specific microfluidic tools, limited number of studies available in literature, and need of thorough understanding in reproductive physiology of domestic animals. In conclusion, incorporation of microfluidic system in assisted reproduction for sperm selection may promise a great success in IVF and ICSI outcomes. Future prospectives are to make this technology more superior and need to modify chip designs which is cost effective and species specific and ready for commercialization. Comprehensive studies in animal species are needed to be carried out for wider application of microfluidic sperm selection in in vitro procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Rasool Bhat
- Division of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and ObstetricsSher‐e‐Kashmir Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of KashmirSrinagarIndia
| | - Farooz Ahmad Lone
- Division of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and ObstetricsSher‐e‐Kashmir Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of KashmirSrinagarIndia
| | - Jasmer Dalal
- Division of Veterinary Gynaecology and ObstetricsLala Lajpat Rai Veterinary and Animal Sciences UniversityHisarIndia
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Elsayed M, Bodo L, Gaoiran C, Keuhnelian P, Dosajh A, Luk V, Schwandt M, French JL, Ghosh A, Erickson B, Charlesworth AG, Millman J, Wheeler AR. Toward Analysis at the Point of Need: A Digital Microfluidic Approach to Processing Multi-Source Sexual Assault Samples. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2405712. [PMID: 39230280 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202405712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Forensic case samples collected in sexual assaults typically contain DNA from multiple sources, which complicates short-tandem repeat (STR) profiling. These samples are typically sent to a laboratory to separate the DNA from sperm and non-sperm sources prior to analysis. Here, the automation and miniaturization of these steps using digital microfluidics (DMF) is reported, which may eventually enable processing sexual assault samples outside of the laboratory, at the point of need. When applied to vaginal swab samples collected up to 12 h post-coitus (PC), the new method identifies single-source (male) STR profiles. When applied to samples collected 24-72 h PC, the method identifies mixed STR profiles, suggesting room for improvement and/or potential for data deconvolution. In sum, an automated, miniaturized sample pre-processing method for separating the DNA contained in sexual assault samples is demonstrated. This type of automated processing using DMF, especially when combined with Rapid DNA Analysis, has the potential to be used for processing of sexual assault samples in hospitals, police offices, and other locations outside of the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Elsayed
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E2, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Leticia Bodo
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Christine Gaoiran
- Forensic Science Department, University of Toronto Mississauga, 4th floor, Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Complex, 3359 Mississauga Rd., Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Palig Keuhnelian
- Forensic Science Department, University of Toronto Mississauga, 4th floor, Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Complex, 3359 Mississauga Rd., Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Advikaa Dosajh
- Forensic Science Department, University of Toronto Mississauga, 4th floor, Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Complex, 3359 Mississauga Rd., Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Vivienne Luk
- Forensic Science Department, University of Toronto Mississauga, 4th floor, Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Complex, 3359 Mississauga Rd., Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Melissa Schwandt
- ANDE Corporation, 1860 Industrial Circle, Suite A, Longmont, CO, 80501, USA
| | - Julie L French
- ANDE Corporation, 1860 Industrial Circle, Suite A, Longmont, CO, 80501, USA
| | - Alpana Ghosh
- Centre of Forensic Sciences, 25 Morton Shulman Avenue, Toronto, ON, M3M 0B1, Canada
| | - Barbara Erickson
- Centre of Forensic Sciences, 25 Morton Shulman Avenue, Toronto, ON, M3M 0B1, Canada
| | | | - Jonathan Millman
- Centre of Forensic Sciences, 25 Morton Shulman Avenue, Toronto, ON, M3M 0B1, Canada
| | - Aaron R Wheeler
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E2, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H6, Canada
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Jahangiri AR, Ziarati N, Dadkhah E, Bucak MN, Rahimizadeh P, Shahverdi A, Sadighi Gilani MA, Topraggaleh TR. Microfluidics: The future of sperm selection in assisted reproduction. Andrology 2024; 12:1236-1252. [PMID: 38148634 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obtaining functional sperm cells is the first step to treat infertility. With the ever-increasing trend in male infertility, clinicians require access to effective solutions that are able to single out the most viable spermatozoa, which would max out the chance for a successful pregnancy. The new generation techniques for sperm selection involve microfluidics, which offers laminar flow and low Reynolds number within the platforms can provide unprecedented opportunities for sperm selection. Previous studies showed that microfluidic platforms can provide a novel approach to this challenge and since then researchers across the globe have attacked this problem from multiple angles. OBJECTIVE In this review, we seek to provide a much-needed bridge between the technical and medical aspects of microfluidic sperm selection. Here, we provide an up-to-date list on microfluidic sperm selection procedures and its application in assisted reproductive technology laboratories. SEARCH METHOD A literature search was performed in Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus to select papers reporting microfluidic sperm selection using the keywords: microfluidic sperm selection, self-motility, non-motile sperm selection, boundary following, rheotaxis, chemotaxis, and thermotaxis. Papers published before March 31, 2023 were selected. OUTCOMES Our results show that most studies have used motility-based properties for sperm selection. However, microfluidic platforms are ripe for making use of other properties such as chemotaxis and especially rheotaxis. We have identified that low throughput is one of the major hurdles to current microfluidic sperm selection chips, which can be solved via parallelization. CONCLUSION Future work needs to be performed on numerical simulation of the microfluidics chip prior to fabrication as well as relevant clinical assessment after the selection procedure. This would require a close collaboration and understanding among engineers, biologists, and medical professionals. It is interesting that in spite of two decades of microfluidics sperm selection, numerical simulation and clinical studies are lagging behind. It is expected that microfluidic sperm selection platforms will play a major role in the development of fully integrated start-to-finish assisted reproductive technology systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Reza Jahangiri
- NanoLund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Materials Science and Applied Mathematics, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Niloofar Ziarati
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Dadkhah
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mustafa Numan Bucak
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Pegah Rahimizadeh
- Division of Experimental Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Cancer Research Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Abdolhossein Shahverdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tohid Rezaei Topraggaleh
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Huang TK, Huang CH, Chen PA, Chen CH, Lu F, Yang WJ, Huang JYJ, Li BR. Development of a thermotaxis and rheotaxis microfluidic device for motile spermatozoa sorting. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 258:116353. [PMID: 38696966 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility is a pervasive global reproductive challenge, primarily attributed to a decline in semen quality. Addressing this concern, there has been a growing focus on spermatozoa sorting in assisted reproductive technology. This study introduces a groundbreaking development in the form of a thermotaxis and rheotaxis microfluidic (TRMC) device designed for efficient motile spermatozoa sorting within a short 15-min timeframe. The TRMC device mimics the natural sperm sorting mechanism of the oviduct, selecting spermatozoa with superior motility and DNA integrity. The experimental outcomes demonstrate a remarkable enhancement in the percentage of progressive spermatozoa following sorting, soaring from 3.90% to an impressive 96.11% when subjected to a temperature decrease from 38 °C to 35 °C. Notably, sperm motility exhibited a substantial 69% improvement. The TRMC device exhibited a commendable recovery rate of 60.93%, surpassing current clinical requirements. Furthermore, the sorted spermatozoa displayed a notable reduction in the DNA fragmentation index to 6.94%, signifying a substantial 90% enhancement in DNA integrity. This remarkable advancement positions the TRMC device as highly suitable for applications in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), offering a promising solution to male infertility challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng-Kuan Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hsien Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Pei-An Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ching Hung Chen
- Taiwan IVF Group, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Ton Yen General Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Farn Lu
- Taiwan IVF Group, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Ton Yen General Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ju Yang
- Taiwan IVF Group, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Ton Yen General Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jack Yu Jen Huang
- Taiwan IVF Group, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Ton Yen General Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Bor-Ran Li
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Center for Emergent Functional Matter Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Medical Device Innovation and Translation R&D Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
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Dash HR. Advancements in differentiation between sperm cells and epithelial cells for efficient forensic DNA analysis in sexual assault cases. Int J Legal Med 2024:10.1007/s00414-024-03285-1. [PMID: 38995400 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03285-1] [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: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Most of the sexual assault casework samples are of mixed sources. Forensic DNA laboratories are always in the requirement of a precise technique for the efficient separation of sperm and non-sperm DNA from mixed samples. Since the introduction of the differential extraction technique in 1985, it has seen significant advancements in the form of either chemicals used or modification of incubation times. Several automated and semi-automated techniques have also adopted the fundamentals of conventional differential extraction techniques. However, lengthy incubation, several manual steps, and carryover over non-sperm material in sperm fraction are some of the major limitations of this technique. Advanced cell separation techniques have shown huge promise in separating sperm cells from a mixture based on their size, shape, composition, and membrane structure and antigens present on sperm membranes. Such advanced techniques such as DEParray, ADE, FACS, LCM, HOT and their respective pros and cons have been discussed in this article. As current-day forensic techniques should be as per the line of Olympic slogan i.e., faster, higher, stronger, the advanced cell separation techniques show a huge potential to be implemented in the casework samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirak Ranjan Dash
- National Forensic Sciences University, Delhi Campus, Sector-3, 110085, Rohini, New Delhi, India.
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Cariati F, Orsi MG, Bagnulo F, Del Mondo D, Vigilante L, De Rosa M, Sciorio R, Conforti A, Fleming S, Alviggi C. Advanced Sperm Selection Techniques for Assisted Reproduction. J Pers Med 2024; 14:726. [PMID: 39063980 PMCID: PMC11278480 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14070726] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Male infertility accounts for approximately 40% of infertility cases. There are many causes of male infertility, including environmental factors, age, lifestyle, infections, varicocele, and cancerous pathologies. Severe oligozoospermia, cryptozoospermia, and azoospermia (obstructive and non-obstructive) are identified as severe male factor infertility, once considered conditions of sterility. Today, in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques are the only treatment strategy in cases of male factor infertility for which new methodologies have been developed in the manipulation of spermatozoa to achieve fertilization and increase success rates. This review is an update of in vitro manipulation techniques, in particular sperm selection, emphasizing clinical case-specific methodology. The success of an IVF process is related to infertility diagnosis, appropriate choice of treatment, and effective sperm preparation and selection. In fact, selecting the best spermatozoa to guarantee an optimal paternal heritage means increasing the blastulation, implantation, ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates, resulting in the greater success of IVF techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Cariati
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.C.); (L.V.); (M.D.R.); (C.A.)
- Fertility Unit, Maternal-Child Department, AOU Federico II Polyclinic, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Maria Grazia Orsi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.O.); (A.C.)
| | - Francesca Bagnulo
- Fertility Unit, Maternal-Child Department, AOU Federico II Polyclinic, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Daniela Del Mondo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Luigi Vigilante
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.C.); (L.V.); (M.D.R.); (C.A.)
- Fertility Unit, Maternal-Child Department, AOU Federico II Polyclinic, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Martina De Rosa
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.C.); (L.V.); (M.D.R.); (C.A.)
- Fertility Unit, Maternal-Child Department, AOU Federico II Polyclinic, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Romualdo Sciorio
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman Mother Child, Lausanne University Hospital, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.O.); (A.C.)
| | - Steven Fleming
- Discipline of Anatomy & Histology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia;
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.C.); (L.V.); (M.D.R.); (C.A.)
- Fertility Unit, Maternal-Child Department, AOU Federico II Polyclinic, 80131 Naples, Italy;
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Sheibak N, Amjadi F, Shamloo A, Zarei F, Zandieh Z. Microfluidic sperm sorting selects a subpopulation of high-quality sperm with a higher potential for fertilization. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:902-911. [PMID: 38461455 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is a microfluidic sperm sorter (MSS) able to select higher quality sperm compared to conventional methods? SUMMARY ANSWER The MSS selects sperm with improved parameters, lower DNA fragmentation, and higher fertilizing potential. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY To date, the few studies that have compared microfluidics sperm selection with conventional methods have used heterogeneous study population and have lacked molecular investigations. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The efficiency of a newly designed MSS in isolating high-quality sperm was compared to the density-gradient centrifugation (DGC) and swim-up (SU) methods, using 100 semen samples in two groups, during 2023-2024. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Semen specimens from 50 normozoospermic and 50 non-normozoospermic men were sorted using MSS, DGC, and SU methods to compare parameters related to the quality and fertilizing potential of sperm. The fertilizing potential of sperm was determined by measurement of phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) and post-acrosomal sheath WW domain-binding protein (PAWP) expression using flow cytometry, and the chromatin dispersion test was used to assess sperm DNA damage. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In both normozoospermic and non-normozoospermic groups, the MSS-selected sperm with the highest progressive motility, PLCζ positive expression and PLCζ and PAWP fluorescence intensity the lowest non-progressive motility, and minimal DNA fragmentation, compared to sperm selected by DGC and SU methods (P < 0.05). LIMITATION, REASONS FOR CAUTION The major limitations of our study were the low yield of sperm in the MSS chips and intentional exclusion of severe male factor infertility to yield a sufficient sperm count for molecular experiments; thus testing with severe oligozoospermic semen and samples with low count and motility is still required. In addition, due to ethical considerations, at present, it was impossible to use the sperm achieved from MSS in the clinic to assess the fertilization rate and further outcomes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our research presents new evidence that microfluidic sperm sorting may result in the selection of high-quality sperm from raw semen. This novel technology might be a key to improving clinical outcomes of assisted reproduction in infertile patients. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study is funded by the Iran University of Medical Sciences and no competing interest exists. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Sheibak
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemehsadat Amjadi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Shamloo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zarei
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Zandieh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Xie Z, Ye J, Gao X, Chen H, Chen M, Lian J, Ma J, Wang H. Evaluation of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel loaded macrophages for glioblastoma treatment based on a microfluidic chip. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1361682. [PMID: 38562665 PMCID: PMC10982336 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1361682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a primary brain malignancy with a dismal prognosis and remains incurable at present. In this study, macrophages (MΦ) were developed to carry nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX) to form nab-PTX/MΦ. The aim of this study is to use a GBM-on-a-chip to evaluate the anti-GBM effects of nab-PTX/MΦ. Methods: In this study, we constructed nab-PTX/MΦ by incubating live MΦ with nab-PTX. We developed a microfluidic chip to co-culture GBM cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, mimicking the simplified blood-brain barrier and GBM. Using a syringe pump, we perform sustainable perfusion of nutrient media. To evaluate the anti-GBM effects nab-PTX/MΦ, we treated the GBM-on-a-chip model with nab-PTX/MΦ and investigated GBM cell proliferation, migration, and spheroid formation. Results: At the chosen concentration, nab-PTX did not significantly affect the viability, chemotaxis and migration of MΦ. The uptake of nab-PTX by MΦ occurred within 1 h of incubation and almost reached saturation at 6 h. Additionally, nab-PTX/MΦ exhibited the M1 phenotype, which inhibits tumor progression. Following phagocytosis, MΦ were able to release nab-PTX, and the release of nab-PTX by MΦ had nearly reached its limit at 48 h. Compared with control group and blank MΦ group, individual nab-PTX group and nab-PTX/MΦ group could inhibit tumor proliferation, invasion and spheroid formation. Meanwhile, the anti-GBM effect of nab-PTX/MΦ was more significant than nab-PTX. Discussion: Our findings demonstrate that nab-PTX/MΦ has a significant anti-GBM effect compared to individual nab-PTX or MΦ administration, suggesting MΦ as potential drug delivery vectors for GBM therapy. Furthermore, the developed GBM-on-a-chip model provides a potential ex vivo platform for innovative cell-based therapies and tailored therapeutic strategies for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuorun Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junyi Ye
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinghua Gao
- Materials Genome Institute, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hang Chen
- Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Maosong Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiangfang Lian
- Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingyun Ma
- Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongcai Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
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Lin S, Feng D, Han X, Li L, Lin Y, Gao H. Microfluidic platform for omics analysis on single cells with diverse morphology and size: A review. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1294:342217. [PMID: 38336406 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microfluidic techniques have emerged as powerful tools in single-cell research, facilitating the exploration of omics information from individual cells. Cell morphology is crucial for gene expression and physiological processes. However, there is currently a lack of integrated analysis of morphology and single-cell omics information. A critical challenge remains: what platform technologies are the best option to decode omics data of cells that are complex in morphology and size? RESULTS This review highlights achievements in microfluidic-based single-cell omics and isolation of cells based on morphology, along with other cell sorting methods based on physical characteristics. Various microfluidic platforms for single-cell isolation are systematically presented, showcasing their diversity and adaptability. The discussion focuses on microfluidic devices tailored to the distinct single-cell isolation requirements in plants and animals, emphasizing the significance of considering cell morphology and cell size in optimizing single-cell omics strategies. Simultaneously, it explores the application of microfluidic single-cell sorting technologies to single-cell sequencing, aiming to effectively integrate information about cell shape and size. SIGNIFICANCE AND NOVELTY The novelty lies in presenting a comprehensive overview of recent accomplishments in microfluidic-based single-cell omics, emphasizing the integration of different microfluidic platforms and their implications for cell morphology-based isolation. By underscoring the pivotal role of the specialized morphology of different cells in single-cell research, this review provides robust support for delving deeper into the exploration of single-cell omics data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujin Lin
- Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China; Central Laboratory at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian-Macao Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Traditional Chinese Medicine-Oriented Chronic Disease Prevention and Treatment, Innovation and Transformation Center, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Dan Feng
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiao Han
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China.
| | - Ling Li
- Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China; The First Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350004, China; Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350004, China.
| | - Yao Lin
- Central Laboratory at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian-Macao Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Traditional Chinese Medicine-Oriented Chronic Disease Prevention and Treatment, Innovation and Transformation Center, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Rehabilitation Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China.
| | - Haibing Gao
- Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China.
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10
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Gardner DK, Sakkas D. Making and selecting the best embryo in the laboratory. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:457-466. [PMID: 36521518 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 4 decades our ability to maintain a viable human embryo in vitro has improved dramatically, leading to higher implantation rates. This has led to a notable shift to single blastocyst transfer and the ensuing elimination of high order multiple gestations. Future improvements to embryo culture systems will not only come from new improved innovative media formulations (such as the inclusion of antioxidants), but plausibly by moving away from static culture to more dynamic perfusion-based systems now made a reality owing to the breakthroughs in three-dimensional printing technology and micro fabrication. Such an approach has already made it feasible to create high resolution devices for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, culture, and cryopreservation, paving the way not only for improvements in outcomes but also automation of assisted reproductive technology. Although improvements in culture systems can lead to further increases in pregnancy outcomes, the ability to quantitate biomarkers of embryo health and viability will reduce time to pregnancy and decrease pregnancy loss. Currently artificial intelligence is being used to assess embryo development through image analysis, but we predict its power will be realized through the creation of selection algorithms based on the integration of information related to metabolic functions, cell-free DNA, and morphokinetics, thereby using vast amounts of different data types obtained for each embryo to predict outcomes. All of this will not only make assisted reproductive technology more effective, but it will also make it more cost effective, thereby increasing patient access to infertility treatment worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K Gardner
- Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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11
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Yang Y, Griffin K, Li X, Sharp E, Young L, Garcia L, Griswold J, Pappas D. Combined CD25, CD64, and CD69 Biomarker in 3D-Printed Multizone Millifluidic Device for Sepsis Detection in Clinical Samples. Anal Chem 2023; 95:12819-12825. [PMID: 37556314 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Sepsis is a serious medical condition that arises from a runaway response to an infection, which triggers the immune system to release chemicals into the bloodstream. This immune response can result in widespread inflammation throughout the body, which may cause harm to vital organs and, in more severe cases, lead to organ failure and death. Timely and accurate diagnosis of sepsis remains a challenge in analytical diagnostics. In this work, we have developed and validated a sepsis detection device, utilizing 3D printing technology, which incorporates multiple affinity separation zones. Our device requires minimal operator intervention and utilizes CD64, CD69, and CD25 as the biomarker targets for detecting sepsis in liquid biopsies. We assessed the effectiveness of our 3D-printed multizone cell separation device by testing it on clinical samples obtained from both septic patients (n = 35) and healthy volunteers (n = 8) and validated its performance accordingly. Unlike previous devices using poly(dimethyl siloxane), the 3D-printed device had reduced nonspecific binding for anti-CD25 capture, allowing this biomarker to be assayed for the first time in cell separations. Our results showed a statistically significant difference in cell capture between septic and healthy samples (with p values of 0.0001 for CD64, CD69, and CD25), suggesting that 3D-printed multizone cell capture is a reliable method for distinguishing sepsis. A receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the accuracy of the captured cell counts for each antigen in detecting sepsis. The ROC area under the curve (AUC) values for on-chip detection of CD64+, CD69+, and CD25+ leukocytes were 0.96, 0.92, and 0.88, respectively, indicating our diagnostic test matches clinical outcomes. When combined for sepsis diagnosis, the AUC value for CD64, CD69, and CD25 was 0.99, indicating an improved diagnostic performance due to the use of multiple biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijia Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Kitiara Griffin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Elizabeth Sharp
- Clinical Research Institute, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Lane Young
- Clinical Research Institute, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Liza Garcia
- Clinical Research Institute, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - John Griswold
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Dimitri Pappas
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
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12
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Huang CH, Chen CH, Huang TK, Lu F, Jen Huang JY, Li BR. Design of a gradient-rheotaxis microfluidic chip for sorting of high-quality Sperm with progressive motility. iScience 2023; 26:107356. [PMID: 37559897 PMCID: PMC10407744 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is an important invention for the treatment of human infertility, and the isolation of high-quality sperm with progressive motility is one of the most critical steps that eventually affect the fertilization rate. Conventional sperm separation approaches include the swim-up method and density gradient centrifugation. However, the quality of isolated sperm obtained from both approaches can still be improved by improving sorted sperm motility, minimizing the DNA fragmentation rate, and removing abnormal phenotypes. Here, we report a Progressive Sperm Sorting Chip (PSSC) for high-quality sperm isolation. Based on the rheotaxis behavior of sperm, a gradient flow field is created in the chip for progressive sperm sorting. Clinical experiment results for 10 volunteers showed that greater than 90% of isolated sperm exhibit high motility (> 25 μm/s), high linearity (0.8), and a very low DNA fragmentation rate (< 5%). In addition, the whole process is label and chemical free. These features aid in gentle sperm sorting to obtain healthy sperm. This device uniquely enables the selection of high-quality sperm with progressive motility and might be clinically applied for infertility treatment in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Hsien Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | | | - Teng-Kuan Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Farn Lu
- Taiwan IVF Group, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jack Yu Jen Huang
- Taiwan IVF Group, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Bor-Ran Li
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Center for Emergent Functional Matter Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Medical Device Innovation and Translation R&D Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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13
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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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14
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Rodríguez CF, Andrade-Pérez V, Vargas MC, Mantilla-Orozco A, Osma JF, Reyes LH, Cruz JC. Breaking the clean room barrier: exploring low-cost alternatives for microfluidic devices. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1176557. [PMID: 37180035 PMCID: PMC10172592 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1176557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses both science and engineering, which aims to design and fabricate devices capable of manipulating extremely low volumes of fluids on a microscale level. The central objective of microfluidics is to provide high precision and accuracy while using minimal reagents and equipment. The benefits of this approach include greater control over experimental conditions, faster analysis, and improved experimental reproducibility. Microfluidic devices, also known as labs-on-a-chip (LOCs), have emerged as potential instruments for optimizing operations and decreasing costs in various of industries, including pharmaceutical, medical, food, and cosmetics. However, the high price of conventional prototypes for LOCs devices, generated in clean room facilities, has increased the demand for inexpensive alternatives. Polymers, paper, and hydrogels are some of the materials that can be utilized to create the inexpensive microfluidic devices covered in this article. In addition, we highlighted different manufacturing techniques, such as soft lithography, laser plotting, and 3D printing, that are suitable for creating LOCs. The selection of materials and fabrication techniques will depend on the specific requirements and applications of each individual LOC. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the numerous alternatives for the development of low-cost LOCs to service industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - María Camila Vargas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Johann F. Osma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luis H. Reyes
- Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan C. Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
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15
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Vasilescu SA, Ding L, Parast FY, Nosrati R, Warkiani ME. Sperm quality metrics were improved by a biomimetic microfluidic selection platform compared to swim-up methods. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:37. [PMID: 37007605 PMCID: PMC10050147 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00501-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Sperm selection is an essential component of all assisted reproductive treatments (ARTs) and is by far the most neglected step in the ART workflow in regard to technological innovation. Conventional sperm selection methodologies typically produce a higher total number of sperm with variable motilities, morphologies, and levels of DNA integrity. Gold-standard techniques, including density gradient centrifugation (DGC) and swim-up (SU), have been shown to induce DNA fragmentation through introducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) during centrifugation. Here, we demonstrate a 3D printed, biologically inspired microfluidic sperm selection device (MSSP) that utilizes multiple methods to simulate a sperms journey toward selection. Sperm are first selected based on their motility and boundary-following behavior and then on their expression of apoptotic markers, yielding over 68% more motile sperm than that of previously reported methods with a lower incidence of DNA fragmentation and apoptosis. Sperm from the MSSP also demonstrated higher motile sperm recovery after cryopreservation than that of SU or neat semen. Experiments were conducted side-by-side against conventional SU methods using human semen (n = 33) and showed over an 85% improvement in DNA integrity with an average 90% reduction in sperm apoptosis. These results that the platform is easy-to-use for sperm selection and mimics the biological function of the female reproductive tract during conception.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lin Ding
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Farin Yazdan Parast
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Reza Nosrati
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007 Australia
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007 Australia
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16
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Goss DM, Vasilescu SA, Sacks G, Gardner DK, Warkiani ME. Microfluidics facilitating the use of small extracellular vesicles in innovative approaches to male infertility. Nat Rev Urol 2023; 20:66-95. [PMID: 36348030 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00660-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Sperm are transcriptionally and translationally quiescent and, therefore, rely on the seminal plasma microenvironment for function, survival and fertilization of the oocyte in the oviduct. The male reproductive system influences sperm function via the binding and fusion of secreted epididymal (epididymosomes) and prostatic (prostasomes) small extracellular vesicles (S-EVs) that facilitate the transfer of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids to sperm. Seminal plasma S-EVs have important roles in sperm maturation, immune and oxidative stress protection, capacitation, fertilization and endometrial implantation and receptivity. Supplementing asthenozoospermic samples with normospermic-derived S-EVs can improve sperm motility and S-EV microRNAs can be used to predict non-obstructive azoospermia. Thus, S-EV influence on sperm physiology might have both therapeutic and diagnostic potential; however, the isolation of pure populations of S-EVs from bodily fluids with current conventional methods presents a substantial hurdle. Many conventional techniques lack accuracy, effectiveness, and practicality; yet microfluidic technology has the potential to simplify and improve S-EV isolation and detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale M Goss
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- IVF Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Steven A Vasilescu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- NeoGenix Biosciences pty ltd, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gavin Sacks
- IVF Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Majid E Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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17
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Sood A, Kumar A, Gupta VK, Kim CM, Han SS. Translational Nanomedicines Across Human Reproductive Organs Modeling on Microfluidic Chips: State-of-the-Art and Future Prospects. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:62-84. [PMID: 36541361 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Forecasting the consequence of nanoparticles (NPs) and therapeutically significant molecules before materializing for human clinical trials is a mainstay for drug delivery and screening processes. One of the noteworthy obstacles that has prevented the clinical translation of NP-based drug delivery systems and novel drugs is the lack of effective preclinical platforms. As a revolutionary technology, the organ-on-a-chip (OOC), a coalition of microfluidics and tissue engineering, has surfaced as an alternative to orthodox screening platforms. OOC technology recapitulates the structural and physiological features of human organs along with intercommunications between tissues on a chip. The current review discusses the concept of microfluidics and confers cutting-edge fabrication processes for chip designing. We also outlined the advantages of microfluidics in analyzing NPs in terms of characterization, transport, and degradation in biological systems. The review further elaborates the scope and research on translational nanomedicines in human reproductive organs (testis, placenta, uterus, and menstrual cycle) by taking the advantages offered by microfluidics and shedding light on their potential future implications. Finally, we accentuate the existing challenges for clinical translation and scale-up dynamics for microfluidics chips and emphasize its future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Sood
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
| | - Anuj Kumar
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea.,Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
| | - Vijai Kumar Gupta
- Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, Scotland's Rural College, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, United Kingdom
| | - Chul Min Kim
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Gyeongsang National University, 33 Dongjin-ro, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do 52725, South Korea
| | - Sung Soo Han
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea.,Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea
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18
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Schardein JN, Fendereski K, Hotaling JM. Evolution of the basic semen analysis and processing sperm. Curr Opin Urol 2023; 33:16-23. [PMID: 36226727 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000001054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The sixth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen was recently published with specific step-by-step instructions for semen evaluation and sperm processing. Point-of-care (POC) testing for semen evaluation and microfluidics for sperm processing are rapidly evolving technologies that could impact how we evaluate and process sperm. Understanding the updated manual in the context of these novel technologies is important. RECENT FINDINGS Proper standardization of semen evaluation and sperm processing will allow for consistent high-quality results among laboratories worldwide. POC testing could improve access to semen evaluations that generate referrals to male infertility specialists for further assessment. Microfluidics can select functional sperm with decreased DNA fragmentation in semen and testicular biopsy samples for assisted reproductive technology (ART). Clinical outcomes, such as pregnancy rates and live birth rates, have not been shown to be consistently improved with these technologies compared to conventional techniques, although high level evidence research in this area is limited. SUMMARY POC testing and microfluidics have the potential to be combined with machine learning technologies to improve fertility care. If these technologies are appropriately optimized, they could change how we evaluate and process sperm, and potentially lead to improved ART outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N Schardein
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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19
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3D printed microfluidics for bioanalysis: A review of recent advancements and applications. Trends Analyt Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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20
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Rahimifard M, Bagheri Z, Hadjighassem M, Jaktaji RP, Behroodi E, Haghi-Aminjan H, Movahed MA, Latifi H, Hosseindoost S, Zarghi A, Pourahmad J. Investigation of anti-cancer effects of new pyrazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole derivatives on human glioblastoma cells through 2D in vitro model and 3D-printed microfluidic device. Life Sci 2022; 302:120505. [PMID: 35358594 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Recent studies show targeted therapy of new pyrazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole derivatives with COX-II inhibitory effects on different cancer cells. This study aimed to investigate 2D cell culture and 3D spheroid formation of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells using a microfluidic device after exposure to these compounds. MAIN METHODS After isolating astrocytes from human GBM samples, IC50 of 2,6-dimethyl pyrazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole (L1) and 3,4,5-trimethoxy pyrazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole (L2) were determined as 13 μM and 85 μM, respectively. Then, in all experiments, cells were exposed to subtoxic concentrations of L1 (6.5 μM) and L2 (42.5 μM), which were ½IC50. In the following, in two phases, cell cycle, migration, and gene expression through 2D cell culture and tumor spheroid formation ability using a 3D-printed microfluidic chip were assessed. KEY FINDINGS The obtained results showed that both compounds have positive effects in reducing G2/M cell population and GBM cell migration. Furthermore, real-time gene expression data showed that L1 and L2 significantly impact the upregulation of P21 and P53 and down-regulation of cyclin D1, MMP2, and MMP9. On the other hand, GBM spheroids exposed to L1 and L2 become smaller with fewer live cells. SIGNIFICANCE Our data on human isolated astrocyte cells in 2D and 3D cell culture conditions showed that L1 and L2 compounds could reduce GBM cells' invasion by controlling gene expressions associated with migration and proliferation. Moreover, designing microfluidic platform and related cell culture protocols facilitates the broad screening of 3D multicellular tumor spheroids derived from GBM tumor biopsies and provides effective drug development for brain gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahban Rahimifard
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Bagheri
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University G.C., Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoudreza Hadjighassem
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ebrahim Behroodi
- Laser and Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University G.C., Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Haghi-Aminjan
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Mahsa Azami Movahed
- Department of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Latifi
- Laser and Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University G.C., Tehran, Iran
| | - Saereh Hosseindoost
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afshin Zarghi
- Department of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Jalal Pourahmad
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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21
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Nosrati R. Lab on a chip devices for fertility: from proof-of-concept to clinical impact. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:1680-1689. [PMID: 35417508 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc01144h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics offers tremendous opportunities to understand the underlying biology of fertilization at the single-cell level and improve infertility management, however, its true clinical impact is yet to be realized. Lab-on-a-chip devices have generally failed to diffuse into clinical practice due to issues associated with their translation or their practicality and performance in clinical settings. In this perspective, I reflect on how the full potential of microfluidic technologies for fertility can be realized by considering regulatory and manufacturing considerations at the development stage and by redefining our developmental goals to directly target the ultimate clinical needs. I also challenge the common rationale around developing technologies for infertility treatment based on reducing cost and complexity in operation as the ultimate outcome is invaluable, human life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Nosrati
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton Campus, VIC 3800, Australia.
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22
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Jeon H, Cremers C, Le D, Abell J, Han J. Multi-dimensional-double-spiral (MDDS) inertial microfluidic platform for sperm isolation directly from the raw semen sample. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4212. [PMID: 35273303 PMCID: PMC8913683 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08042-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we propose a fully-automated platform using a spiral inertial microfluidic device for standardized semen preparation that can process patient-derived semen samples with diverse fluidic conditions without any pre-washing steps. We utilized the multi-dimensional double spiral (MDDS) device to effectively isolate sperm cells from other non-sperm seminal cells (e.g., leukocytes) in the semen sample. The recirculation platform was employed to minimize sample dependency and achieve highly purified and concentrated (up to tenfold) sperm cells in a rapid and fully-automated manner (~ 10 min processing time for 50 mL of diluted semen sample). The clinical (raw) semen samples obtained from healthy donors were directly used without any pre-washing step to evaluate the developed separation platform, which showed excellent performance with ~ 80% of sperm cell recovery, and > 99.95% and > 98% removal of 10-μm beads (a surrogate for leukocytes) from low-viscosity and high-viscosity semen samples, respectively. We expect that the novel platform will be an efficient and automated tool to achieve purified sperm cells directly from raw semen samples for assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) as an alternative to density centrifugation or swim-up methods, which often suffer from the low recovery of sperm cells and labor-intensive steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyungkook Jeon
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Claudia Cremers
- Ohana Biosciences, 20 Acorn Park Dr, Cambridge, MA, 02140, USA
| | - Doris Le
- Ohana Biosciences, 20 Acorn Park Dr, Cambridge, MA, 02140, USA
| | - Justin Abell
- Ohana Biosciences, 20 Acorn Park Dr, Cambridge, MA, 02140, USA
| | - Jongyoon Han
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA. .,Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA. .,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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23
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Lesani A, Ramazani Sarbandi I, Mousavi H, Kazemnejad S, Moghimi Zand M. Lower reactive oxygen species production and faster swimming speed of human sperm cells on nanodiamond spin-coated glass substrates. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2022; 110:1391-1399. [PMID: 35080336 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.35007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The sperm selection stage is what assisted reproductive technologies have in common and is crucial as it affects the success of the treatment cycle. The employment of microfluidic platforms for sperm selection has emerged showing promising results. In microfluidic platforms, sperm cells encounter micro-confined environments meanwhile having contact with channel walls and surfaces. Modification of contact surfaces using nanoparticles leads to the alteration of surface characteristics which in turn affects sperm behavior especially motility which is an indicator for sperm health. In this article, we present the results of investigating the motility parameters of sperm cells in contact with surface-modified glass substrates using nanodiamond particles. The results show that the sperm swimming velocities are significantly improved within the range of 12%-52% compared to the control surface (untreated). Reactive oxygen species production is also decreased by 14% justifying the increase in swimming speed. Taken together, bonding these modified surfaces to sperm selection microfluidic devices could enhance their efficiency and further improve their outcomes offering new solutions to patients facing infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Lesani
- Small Medical Devices, BioMEMS & LoC Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iman Ramazani Sarbandi
- Small Medical Devices, BioMEMS & LoC Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hengameh Mousavi
- Faculty of Physics, Nano Science and Technology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Somaieh Kazemnejad
- Nanobiotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Moghimi Zand
- Small Medical Devices, BioMEMS & LoC Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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24
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Nosrati R, Sinton D. How to select ICSI-viable sperm from the most challenging samples. Nat Rev Urol 2021; 19:135-136. [PMID: 34845346 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-021-00546-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Nosrati
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - David Sinton
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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25
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Rahi A, Kazemi M, Pishbin E, Karimi S, Nazarian H. Cross flow coupled with inertial focusing for separation of human sperm cells from semen and simulated TESE samples. Analyst 2021; 146:7230-7239. [PMID: 34724697 DOI: 10.1039/d1an01525g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A triplet spiral channel coupled with cross-flow filtration has been designed and fabricated in an effort to separate sperm cells from either semen or simulated testicular sperm extraction (TESE) samples. This device separates a fraction of cells from the sample by taking advantage of inertial focusing combined with hydrodynamic filtration in multiple micro-slits. Compared to the conventional swim-up technique, the proposed microfluidic device is capable of efficiently separating sperm cells without any tedious semen sample processing and centrifugation steps with a lower level of reactive oxygen species and DNA fragmentation. The device processing capability on the simulated TESE samples confirmed its proficiency in retrieving sperm cells from the samples with an approximate yield of 76%. Conclusively, the introduced microfluidic device can pave the path to proficiently separate sperm cells in assisted reproductive treatment cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amid Rahi
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Kazemi
- IVF Center, Taleghani Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmail Pishbin
- Bio-microfluidics lab, Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sareh Karimi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamid Nazarian
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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26
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Hamacher T, Berendsen JTW, van Dongen JE, van der Hee RM, Cornelissen JJLM, Broekhuijse MLWJ, Segerink LI. Virus removal from semen with a pinched flow fractionation microfluidic chip. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:4477-4486. [PMID: 34664598 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00643f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays pigs are bred with artificial insemination to reduce costs and transportation. To prevent the spread of diseases, it is important to test semen samples for viruses. Screening techniques applied are enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and/or polymerase chain reaction, which are labor-intensive and expensive methods. In contrast to the current used screening techniques, it is possible to remove viruses physically from semen. However, existing methods for virus removal techniques have a low yield of spermatozoa. Therefore, we have developed a microfluidic chip that performs size-based separation of viruses and spermatozoa in boar semen samples, thereby having the potential to reduce the risk of disease spreading in the context of artificial insemination in the veterinary industry. As the head of a spermatozoon is at least twenty times larger than a virus particle, the particle size can be used to achieve separation, resulting in a semen sample with lower viral load and of higher quality. To achieve the size separation, our microfluidic device is based on pinched-flow fractionation. A model virus, cowpea chlorotic mottle virus, was used and spiked to porcine semen samples. With the proposed microfluidic chip and the optimized flow parameters, at least 84 ± 4% of the model viruses were removed from the semen. The remaining virus contamination is caused by the model virus adhering to spermatozoa instead of the separation technique. The spermatozoa recovery was 86 ± 6%, which is an enormous improvement in yield compared to existing virus removal techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Hamacher
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology & Technical Medical Centre, Max Planck - University of Twente Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - J T W Berendsen
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology & Technical Medical Centre, Max Planck - University of Twente Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - J E van Dongen
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology & Technical Medical Centre, Max Planck - University of Twente Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - R M van der Hee
- Department of Molecules & Materials, MESA+ Institute, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - J J L M Cornelissen
- Department of Molecules & Materials, MESA+ Institute, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - M L W J Broekhuijse
- CRV, Wassenaarweg 20, 6843NW, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Topigs Norsvin, 227, 5263LT Vught, The Netherlands
| | - L I Segerink
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology & Technical Medical Centre, Max Planck - University of Twente Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands.
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27
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Microfluidic Systems for Isolation of Spermatozoa from Testicular Specimens of Non-Obstructive Azoospermic Men: Does/Can It Improve Sperm Yield? J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10163667. [PMID: 34441963 PMCID: PMC8397192 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has allowed reproduction options through assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) for men with no spermatozoa within the ejaculate (azoospermia). In men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), the options for spermatozoa retrieval are testicular sperm extraction (TESE), testicular sperm aspiration (TESA), or micro-surgical sperm extraction (microTESE). At the initial time of spermatozoa removal from the testis, spermatozoa are immobile. Independent of the means of spermatozoa retrieval, the subsequent steps of removing spermatozoa from seminiferous tubules, determining spermatozoa viability, identifying enough spermatozoa for oocyte injections, and isolating viable spermatozoa for injection are currently performed manually by laboratory microscopic dissection and collection. These laboratory techniques are highly labor-intensive, with yield unknown, have an unpredictable efficiency and/or success rate, and are subject to inter-laboratory personnel and intra-laboratory variability. Here, we consider the potential utility, benefits, and shortcomings of developing technologies such as motility induction/stimulants, microfluidics, dielectrophoresis, and cell sorting as andrological laboratory add-ons to reduce the technical burdens and variabilities in viable spermatozoa isolation from testicular samples in men with NOA.
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28
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Alias AB, Huang HY, Yao DJ. A Review on Microfluidics: An Aid to Assisted Reproductive Technology. Molecules 2021; 26:4354. [PMID: 34299629 PMCID: PMC8303723 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26144354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a state of the male or female reproductive system that is defined as the failure to achieve pregnancy even after 12 or more months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) plays a crucial role in addressing infertility. Various ART are now available for infertile couples. Fertilization in vitro (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are the most common techniques in this regard. Various microfluidic technologies can incorporate various ART procedures such as embryo and gamete (sperm and oocyte) analysis, sorting, manipulation, culture and monitoring. Hence, this review intends to summarize the current knowledge about the application of this approach towards cell biology to enhance ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Baby Alias
- Institute of NanoEngineering and MicroSystems, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
| | - Hong-Yuan Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung University and College of Medicine, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Da-Jeng Yao
- Institute of NanoEngineering and MicroSystems, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
- Department of Power Mechanical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
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29
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Tabatabaei SA, Zabetian Targhi M. Design and experimental investigation of a novel spiral microfluidic chip to separate wide size range of micro-particles aimed at cell separation. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2021; 235:1315-1328. [PMID: 34218740 DOI: 10.1177/09544119211029753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Isolation of microparticles and biological cells on microfluidic chips has received considerable attention due to their applications in numerous areas such as medical and engineering fields. Microparticles separation is of great importance in bioassays due to the need for smaller sample and device size and lower manufacturing costs. In this study, we first explain the concepts of separation and microfluidic science along with their applications in the medical sciences, and then, a conceptual design of a novel inertial microfluidic system is proposed and analyzed. The PDMS spiral microfluidic device was fabricated, and its effects on the separation of particles with sizes similar to biological particles were experimentally analyzed. This separation technique can be used to separate cancer cells from the normal ones in the blood samples. These components required for testing were selected, assembled, and finally, a very affordable microfluidic kit was provided. Different experiments were designed, and the results were analyzed using appropriate software and methods. Separator system tests with polydisperse hollow glass particles (diameter 2-20 µm), and monodisperse Polystyrene particles (diameter 5 & 15 µm), and the results exhibit an acceptable chip performance with 86% of efficiency for both monodisperse particles and polydisperse particles. The microchannel collects particles with an average diameter of 15.8, 9.4, and 5.9 μm at the proposed reservoirs. This chip can be integrated into a more extensive point-of-care diagnostic system to test blood samples.
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