Multi-dimensional-double-spiral (MDDS) inertial microfluidic platform for sperm isolation directly from the raw semen...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Reproductive Medicine
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Standardized semen preparation is crucial for assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs).
• Current methods like density centrifugation and swim-up are labor-intensive and can result in low sperm recovery.
• A need exists for efficient, automated sperm separation techniques directly from raw semen.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a fully-automated microfluidic platform for standardized semen preparation.
• To isolate and concentrate sperm cells from raw semen samples using a multi-dimensional double spiral (MDDS) device.
• To assess the platform's efficiency in terms of sperm recovery, purity, and processing time.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a multi-dimensional double spiral (MDDS) microfluidic device for sperm isolation.
• Employed a recirculation platform for sample processing without pre-washing steps.
• Evaluated the platform using clinical raw semen samples from healthy donors.

Main Results:

• Achieved high sperm cell recovery rates of approximately 80%.
• Demonstrated superior removal of non-sperm cells (leukocyte surrogates) with >99.95% and >98% efficiency in low- and high-viscosity samples, respectively.
• Processed samples rapidly (approx. 10 minutes for 50 mL) achieving up to tenfold sperm concentration.

Conclusions:

• The developed automated microfluidic platform provides an efficient and rapid method for purifying sperm directly from raw semen.
• This technology offers a promising alternative to conventional semen preparation techniques, potentially enhancing ART outcomes.
• The platform's ability to handle diverse semen conditions without pre-washing represents a significant advancement in sperm processing.