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Interface-Mediated Migration of Sperm Cells in Methylcellulose-Based Shear-Thinning Microenvironments for Efficient
Dhiraj B Puri1, Vadiraj Hemadri1, Gautam Biswas1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, Zuarinagar, Sancoale, Goa 403726, India.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|March 15, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a biomimetic method using shear-thinning biopolymers to efficiently separate motile sperm for assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs). The technique mimics the female reproductive tract, improving sperm quality and DNA integrity for better IVF and ICSI outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Efficient separation of motile sperm is critical for assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
- Current methods may not fully replicate the physiological conditions of the female reproductive tract (FRT), potentially impacting sperm quality.
- A need exists for simple, cost-effective, and physiologically relevant sperm selection techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a biomimetic method for efficient and physiologically relevant separation of motile sperm cells.
- To mimic the microenvironment of the female reproductive tract (FRT) using shear-thinning biopolymers.
- To enhance sperm quality and reduce DNA fragmentation for improved ART outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A biomimetic approach utilizing the shear-thinning properties of a 0.5% methylcellulose (MC) biopolymer solution.
- Semen droplet placed on a biopolymer droplet to create fluid interfaces mimicking cervical barriers.
- Sperm motility-driven traversal of the interface for selection; nonmotile sperm remain confined.
- Rheological characterization, sperm kinematic analysis, high-speed flagellar imaging, and arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) simulations.
Main Results:
- The 0.5% MC solution optimized sperm progression, enhancing straight-line velocity, beat frequency, and progression per flagellar beat.
- Achieved rapid (15 min) and efficient separation of motile sperm (approx. 0.704 million/mL from 5 μL sample).
- Demonstrated significantly higher progressive motility (98%) and lower DNA fragmentation index (3.4%) compared to conventional methods (swim-up, density gradient centrifugation).
Conclusions:
- The developed biomimetic strategy offers a simple, cost-effective, and physiologically relevant method for isolating high-quality motile sperm.
- This approach shows strong potential for direct integration into ART workflows, improving ICSI and IVF success rates.
- The technique effectively selects motile sperm by mimicking natural FRT barriers without complex equipment.
