Mp42-13 Open Channel Droplet Microfluidic Platform for Passive Generation of Human Sperm Microdroplets

You have accessJournal of UrologyInfertility: Therapy (MP42)1 May 2024MP42-13 OPEN CHANNEL DROPLET MICROFLUIDIC PLATFORM FOR PASSIVE GENERATION OF HUMAN SPERM MICRODROPLETS Tristan M. Nicholson, Jodie Tokihiro, Jian Wei Khor, Wan-Chen Tu, Charles H. Muller, Thomas J. Walsh, John K. Amory, and Ashleigh B. Theberge Tristan M. NicholsonTristan M. Nicholson , Jodie TokihiroJodie Tokihiro , Jian Wei KhorJian Wei Khor , Wan-Chen TuWan-Chen Tu , Charles H. MullerCharles H. Muller , Thomas J. WalshThomas J. Walsh , John K. AmoryJohn K. Amory , and Ashleigh B. ThebergeAshleigh B. Theberge View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.JU.0001008688.39367.31.13AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa is an important feature of the work performed by fertility laboratories. Vitrification, or ultra-rapid freezing, involves freezing of a very small volume sample, reducing formation of ice crystals, and therefore, cellular damage. Currently, manipulation of the microliter volumes required for sperm vitrification requires specialized expertise and equipment. Our objective was to leverage open channel droplet microfluidics to create a user-friendly platform for preparation of sperm microdroplet samples for vitrification. METHODS: Microchannel design was performed in Solidworks and devices were fabricated out of polytetrafluoroethylene and polystyrene on a Datron NEO mill. Motile sperm from subjects with normal sperm concentration and motility were isolated from semen samples using a swim out method. Purified motile sperm were suspended in Sperm Wash media and food coloring was used to aid droplet visualization. HFE-500 fluorinated oil was used as a carrier fluid to generate microliter droplets. Sperm motility was assessed before and after passage through the microchannel and with and without presence of food coloring with Integrated Visual Optic System. RESULTS: Using our open channel microfluidic device, we leverage spontaneous capillary flow and interfacial tensions between two immiscible liquid phases to generate microliter droplets containing human sperm. Microliter droplets can be easily transferred to droplet holder for eventual vitrification. Our platform is pipet accessible and does not require specialized expertise or equipment. We observed an expected decline in sperm motility from direct swim out at 37C to samples at 22C (room temperature). Droplet visualization with red food coloring and passage of sperm through the microfluidic device did not significantly impact sperm motility (Figure 1). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate application of a novel open microfluidic device to generate microliter droplets containing human sperm. Motility of sperm is preserved after passage through the microchannel and droplet visualization. Future work will focus on vitrification of sperm in microdroplets generated by the microfluidic platform. Download PPT Source of Funding: None © 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 211Issue 5SMay 2024Page: e688 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.Metrics Author Information Tristan M. Nicholson More articles by this author Jodie Tokihiro More articles by this author Jian Wei Khor More articles by this author Wan-Chen Tu More articles by this author Charles H. Muller More articles by this author Thomas J. Walsh More articles by this author John K. Amory More articles by this author Ashleigh B. Theberge More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...