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Related Concept Videos

Sperm Transport01:15

Sperm Transport

The journey of sperm from its origin to the point of ejaculation begins within the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Here, Sertoli cells produce fluid that propels non-motile sperm through a series of conduits, starting with the straight tubules leading to the rete testis. This interconnected network of tubules acts as the initial pathway for sperm, guiding them into the efferent ductules and then into the epididymis for maturation.
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...

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Fish Sperm Assessment Using Software and Cooling Devices
07:57

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Published on: July 28, 2018

An automatic system to study sperm motility and energetics.

Linda Z Shi1, Jaclyn M Nascimento, Charlie Chandsawangbhuwana

  • 1Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. zhixiashi@gmail.com

Biomedical Microdevices
|February 27, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

A new automated system uses a robotic laser and microscope to precisely measure individual sperm motility and energetics. This technology enhances experimental efficiency and aids fertility research in humans and animals.

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Area of Science:

  • Robotics and Automation
  • Biotechnology
  • Microscopy and Imaging

Background:

  • Assessing sperm motility and energetics is crucial for fertility diagnostics.
  • Existing methods for analyzing individual sperm are often time-consuming and labor-intensive.
  • There is a need for high-throughput, automated systems to evaluate sperm function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate an integrated robotic laser and microscope system for automated analysis of individual sperm motility and energetics.
  • To quantify sperm swimming speed, swimming force, and mid-piece membrane potential.
  • To increase experimental throughput and enable real-time monitoring of sperm energetics.

Main Methods:

  • An integrated system combining a near-infrared laser trap and an inverted microscope was developed.
  • A two-level computer system was employed for real-time sperm tracking and fluorescent ratio imaging.
  • Custom image processing algorithms were used for sperm identification, trapping, and escape power measurement.
  • Sperm membrane potential was assessed using a ratiometrically-encoded fluorescent probe.

Main Results:

  • The system successfully quantified individual sperm motility (speed and force) and energetics (membrane potential).
  • Real-time tracking and laser-based sperm trapping were achieved with high precision.
  • Experimental throughput was increased by an order of magnitude compared to manual methods.
  • Sperm energetics could be monitored before and after laser trap exposure.

Conclusions:

  • The developed automated system offers a significant advancement in studying individual sperm motility and energetics.
  • This technology has potential applications in human fertility clinics and animal husbandry.
  • The system provides a powerful tool for high-throughput, detailed analysis of sperm function.