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Towards microfluidic sperm refinement: impedance-based analysis and sorting of sperm cells
B de Wagenaar1, S Dekker1, H L de Boer1
1BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ and MIRA Institutes, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands. b.dewagenaar@utwente.nl, l.i.segerink@utwente.nl.
Lab on a Chip
|March 31, 2016
Summary
This study introduces a novel microfluidic device for label-free sperm sorting, improving artificial insemination efficiency. The technology non-invasively separates normal sperm cells, reducing waste and enhancing fertilization potential in livestock.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology and microfluidics.
- Biotechnology and biosensing.
Background:
- High-quality semen is crucial for livestock artificial insemination.
- Morphological sperm defects, like cytoplasmic droplets, negatively impact fertilization.
- Current methods discard up to 80% of semen samples, losing normal sperm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a label-free, non-invasive microfluidic system for detecting and sorting morphologically normal sperm cells.
- To refine rejected semen samples, preserving valuable normal sperm.
Main Methods:
- Utilized differential impedance measurements to detect cytoplasmic droplets on sperm flagella.
- Developed a LabVIEW-based system for label-free sperm sorting using impedance and dielectrophoresis.
- Performed proof-of-concept experiments with sperm cells and 3 μm beads.
Main Results:
- Differential impedance measurements accurately detected cytoplasmic droplets with an AUC of 0.85.
- Successfully sorted sperm cells and beads label-free using impedance detection and dielectrophoresis.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of microfluidic sperm refinement.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic setup shows promise for label-free, non-invasive sperm cell detection and sorting.
- This technology can potentially reduce semen waste and improve artificial insemination outcomes.
- Further research aims to optimize microfluidic sperm refinement for practical applications.
