Passively driven integrated microfluidic system for separation of motile sperm.
This paper describes a self-contained integrated microfluidic system that can separate motile sperm from small samples that are difficult to handle using conventional sperm-sorting techniques. The device isolates motile sperm from nonmotile sperm and other cellular debris, based on the ability of motile sperm to cross streamlines in a laminar fluid stream. The device is small, simple, and disposable yet is an integrated system complete with sample inlets, outlets, sorting channel, and a novel passively driven pumping system that provides a steady flow of liquid; it requires no external power source or controls. The device fulfills a need in clinical settings where small amounts of sperm need to be sorted. It also opens the way for convenient bioassays based on sperm motility including at-home motile sperm tests.
Cho
Brenda S
BS
Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
Schuster
Timothy G
TG
Zhu
Xiaoyue
X
Chang
David
D
Smith
Gary D
GD
Takayama
Shuichi
S
D002469:Cell Separation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008832:Microchemistry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology*