An automated instrument for intrauterine insemination sperm preparation

Jafek, Alex; Feng, Haidong; Brady, Hayden; Petersen, Kevin E.; Chaharlang, Marzieh; Aston, Kenneth I.; Gale, Bruce K.; Jenkins, Timothy G.; Samuel, Reichel

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-78390-3

Cited by 10 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…Viscoelastic fluid presents one type of non-Newtonian solution that exhibits both viscous and elastic properties under shear stress. In viscoelastic dominated flows, particle lateral movement and focusing stream phenomena have been observed and used for particle manipulation and separation in microchannels [ 28 ]. Polymer solutions, such as high molecular weight poly(ethylene) oxide (PEO) solutions, exhibit non-linear elastic stress distribution in the channel cross-section, leading to particles focusing towards the channel center [ 29 , 30 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Viscoelastic Particle Focusing and Separation in a Spiral Channel

et al. 2022

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As one type of non-Newtonian fluid, viscoelastic fluids exhibit unique properties that contribute to particle lateral migration in confined microfluidic channels, leading to opportunities for particle manipulation and separation. In this paper, particle focusing in viscoelastic flow is studied in a wide range of polyethylene glycol (PEO) concentrations in aqueous solutions. Polystyrene beads with diameters from 3 to 20 μm are tested, and the variation of particle focusing position is explained by the coeffects of inertial flow, viscoelastic flow, and Dean flow. We showed that particle focusing position can be predicted by analyzing the force balance in the microchannel, and that particle separation resolution can be improved in viscoelastic flows.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Viscoelastic Particle Focusing and Separation in a Spiral Channel

et al. 2022

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“…Several attempts have also been made to automate semen preparation for treatment, primarily utilising microfluidics, an emerging technology in biomedicine that employs the use of minute volumes of solvents manipulated on a chamber or chip [25]. Furthermore, microfluidic chips allow incorporation of mechanical barriers, which have been suggested to better emulate natural barriers of the female reproductive tract, ensuring only morphologically normal or progressive motile sperm are isolated [26]. A microfluidic chamber, therefore, promises a non-invasive, high-precision, highthroughput, and rapid means of performing semen preparation, further reducing the risk of DNA damage due to traditional density gradient centrifugation methods for sperm sorting [27].…”

Section: Semen Analysis and Preparationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Automation in ART: Paving the Way for the Future of Infertility Treatment

et al. 2022

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In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is estimated to account for the birth of more than nine million babies worldwide, perhaps making it one of the most intriguing as well as commoditised and industrialised modern medical interventions. Nevertheless, most IVF procedures are currently limited by accessibility, affordability and most importantly multistep, labour-intensive, technically challenging processes undertaken by skilled professionals. Therefore, in order to sustain the exponential demand for IVF on one hand, and streamline existing processes on the other, innovation is essential. This may not only effectively manage clinical time but also reduce cost, thereby increasing accessibility, affordability and efficiency. Recent years have seen a diverse range of technologies, some integrated with artificial intelligence, throughout the IVF pathway, which promise personalisation and, at least, partial automation in the not-so-distant future. This review aims to summarise the rapidly evolving state of these innovations in automation, with or without the integration of artificial intelligence, encompassing the patient treatment pathway, gamete/embryo selection, endometrial evaluation and cryopreservation of gametes/embryos. Additionally, it shall highlight the resulting prospective change in the role of IVF professionals and challenges of implementation of some of these technologies, thereby aiming to motivate continued research in this field. Graphical abstract

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“…These methods can expose the sperm for relatively long periods to temperature and pH fluctuations, as well as the physical stress of centrifugation [ 123 ]. Microfluidics can be used to minimize handling and the exposure of sperm to detrimental conditions by bypassing centrifugation and applying a semen sample directly to a microfluidic device, where sperm can be separated from semen and selected for the best motility and morphology [ 124 ].…”

Section: Implications For Clinical Applicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Co-Adaptation of Physical Attributes of the Mammalian Female Reproductive Tract and Sperm to Facilitate Fertilization

Tung

Suárez

2021

Cells

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The functions of the female reproductive tract not only encompass sperm migration, storage, and fertilization, but also support the transport and development of the fertilized egg through to the birth of offspring. Further, because the tract is open to the external environment, it must also provide protection against invasive pathogens. In biophysics, sperm are considered “pusher microswimmers”, because they are propelled by pushing fluid behind them. This type of swimming by motile microorganisms promotes the tendency to swim along walls and upstream in gentle fluid flows. Thus, the architecture of the walls of the female tract, and the gentle flows created by cilia, can guide sperm migration. The viscoelasticity of the fluids in the tract, such as mucus secretions, also promotes the cooperative swimming of sperm that can improve fertilization success; at the same time, the mucus can also impede the invasion of pathogens. This review is focused on how the mammalian female reproductive tract and sperm interact physically to facilitate the movement of sperm to the site of fertilization. Knowledge of female/sperm interactions can not only explain how the female tract can physically guide sperm to the fertilization site, but can also be applied for the improvement of in vitro fertilization devices.

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An automated instrument for intrauterine insemination sperm preparation

Cited by 10 publications

References 36 publications

Viscoelastic Particle Focusing and Separation in a Spiral Channel

Viscoelastic Particle Focusing and Separation in a Spiral Channel

Automation in ART: Paving the Way for the Future of Infertility Treatment

Co-Adaptation of Physical Attributes of the Mammalian Female Reproductive Tract and Sperm to Facilitate Fertilization

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