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Fish sperm cryopreservation using biodegradable containers: New low-cost and environment-friendly methodology
Thales de Souza França1, Itamar Cossina Gomes1, Eduardo Antônio Sanches2
1Aquam Research Group, Animal Science Research Program, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Reproduction (Cambridge, England)
|May 19, 2023
Summary
Biodegradable capsules offer a sustainable alternative for fish sperm cryopreservation. While plastic straws maintained higher membrane integrity, gelatin and HPMC capsules ensured comparable sperm functionality and fertility post-thaw.
Area of Science:
- Aquaculture and Reproductive Biology
- Biomaterials and Sustainable Packaging
- Cryobiology and Cell Preservation
Background:
- Traditional plastic straws for sperm cryopreservation pose environmental and economic challenges due to their non-biodegradable nature.
- Developing cost-effective and biodegradable alternatives is crucial for sustainable aquaculture and conservation efforts.
- Hard-gelatin and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules are explored as potential eco-friendly replacements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of hard-gelatin and hard-HPMC capsules as biodegradable alternatives to plastic straws for cryopreserving South American silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) sperm.
- To compare the post-thaw quality and functionality of sperm cryopreserved in biodegradable capsules versus conventional plastic straws.
- To assess the fertilization and hatching success rates using sperm stored in different container types.
Main Methods:
- Sperm from 12 Rhamdia quelen individuals were cryopreserved in 0.25 mL plastic straws (control), hard-gelatin capsules, and hard-HPMC capsules.
- Post-thaw sperm quality was assessed through membrane integrity, kinetic parameters, and mitochondrial activity.
- Fertilization, hatching rates, and normal larvae development were evaluated to determine functional sperm viability.
Main Results:
- Plastic straws yielded higher sperm membrane integrity (68%) compared to hard-gelatin (40%) and hard-HPMC capsules (40%).
- No significant differences were observed in kinetic parameters, mitochondrial activity, fertilization, hatching, or normal larvae rates between straws and capsules.
- Cryopreserved sperm within both biodegradable capsule types demonstrated high fertility capability.
Conclusions:
- Hard-gelatin and hard-HPMC capsules are effective and biodegradable alternatives for cryopreserving fish sperm, maintaining high fertility.
- These capsules offer a sustainable solution to reduce the environmental impact associated with plastic cryopreservation containers.
- Further research may optimize capsule formulations for improved sperm membrane integrity during cryopreservation.
