Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
09:16
U-Shaped Horizontal Swimming Technique for Preparing High-Quality Sperm with Low DNA Fragmentation Index
Published on: March 28, 2025
506
A novel microfluidic chip-based sperm-sorting device constructed using design of experiment method
Chalinee Phiphattanaphiphop1,2, Komgrit Leksakul3, Rungrueang Phatthanakun4
1Degree Program in Industrial Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
Scientific Reports
|October 14, 2020
Summary
This study developed an optimized microfluidic sperm-sorting device (SSD) for livestock infertility solutions. The novel design achieved 96% bull sperm-sorting efficiency with minimal simulation-to-device error.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Agricultural Engineering
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Infertility in livestock poses significant economic challenges.
- Efficient sperm sorting is crucial for artificial insemination and genetic improvement.
- Existing sperm sorting methods can be time-consuming, costly, and inefficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate a high-efficacy, cost-effective microfluidic sperm-sorting device (SSD).
- To optimize SSD performance using COMSOL Multiphysics simulation and Design of Experiments (DOE).
- To validate the simulation model with experimental results for Holstein-Friesian bull sperm.
Main Methods:
- Utilized COMSOL Multiphysics for microfluidic device simulation and modeling.
- Employed Design of Experiments (DOE) to identify and optimize key design factors.
- Fabricated the optimized microfluidic chip using soft lithographic microfabrication techniques.
- Tested the prototype device on Holstein-Friesian bull sperm for sorting efficiency.
Main Results:
- Identified optimal parameters including inlet angles, flow rates, and chamber dimensions.
- Achieved a maximum bull sperm-sorting performance of 96% with the microfluidic device prototype.
- Demonstrated a low error rate of 2.72% between simulation predictions and experimental outcomes.
- Determined acceptable fluid viscosity tolerances for reliable SSD operation (0.00001-0.003 kg m⁻¹ s⁻¹).
Conclusions:
- The optimally designed microfluidic chip-based SSD offers an efficient solution for sperm sorting in livestock.
- The developed fabrication and optimization process is cost- and time-effective.
- This technology holds potential for integration into sperm X/Y separation microdevices, advancing reproductive technologies.
