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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Mouse Round Spermatid Injection

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Published on: January 26, 2024

Boar sperm encapsulation reduces in vitro polyspermy.

M Faustini¹, M Bucco, G Galeati

¹Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Veterinarie per la Sicurezza Alimentare, Milan, Italy. massimo.faustini@unimi.it

Reproduction in Domestic Animals = Zuchthygiene

|January 16, 2009

Summary

Boar sperm encapsulation in barium alginate significantly reduces polyspermy during in vitro fertilization. This technology enhances sperm preservation, improving reproductive outcomes by protecting sperm membranes.

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Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Animal Science
Biotechnology

Background:

Boar sperm preservation is crucial for reproductive efficiency.
Existing methods can lead to sperm damage and reduced fertilization rates.
Polyspermy, the fertilization of an oocyte by multiple sperm, is a significant concern in assisted reproductive technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the impact of boar sperm encapsulation in barium alginate on polyspermy.
To assess the effect of storage time (24, 48, 72 hours at 18°C) on polyspermy rates in encapsulated versus diluted sperm.
To determine if encapsulation technology improves spermatozoa preservation and reduces fertilization errors.

Main Methods:

Forty in vitro fertilization (IVF) tests were conducted, with 20 using encapsulated sperm and 20 using diluted sperm.
In vitro matured oocytes were fertilized with boar spermatozoa stored for 24, 48, or 72 hours at 18°C.
Polyspermy, normospermy, and non-penetration rates were assessed using optical microscopy.

Main Results:

Spermatozoa encapsulated in barium alginate showed a significant reduction in the risk of polyspermic oocytes (incidence risk ratio: 0.766 compared to diluted sperm).
Encapsulation technology appears to mitigate damage to sperm membranes during preservation.
The protective effect of encapsulation was observed across different storage durations.

Conclusions:

Boar sperm encapsulation in barium alginate is an effective strategy to reduce polyspermy during in vitro fertilization.
This technology enhances spermatozoa preservation by minimizing membrane damage, thereby improving fertilization quality.
Encapsulation offers a promising approach for improving reproductive performance in swine.