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

Abstract

Sperm cryopreservation is important for many individuals across the globe. Recent studies show that vitrification is a valuable approach for maintaining sperm quality after freeze-thawing processes and requires sub-microliter to microliter volumes. A major challenge for the adoption of vitrification in fertility laboratories is the ability to pipette small volumes of sample. Here, we present an open droplet generator that leverages open-channel microfluidics to passively generate sub-microliter to microliter volumes of purified human sperm samples and preserves sperm kinematics. We conclude that our platform is compatible with human sperm, an important foundation for future implementation of vitrification in fertility laboratories. Table of contents artwork O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=108 SRC="FIGDIR/small/593416v3_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (24K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1733ae0org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1e638aorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@119097forg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@be86f3_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG