Passively Driven Integrated Microfluidic System for Separation of Motile Sperm

TLDR

This paper presents a self‑contained microfluidic system that separates motile sperm from small, hard‑to‑handle samples. The device uses passive laminar flow to allow motile sperm to cross streamlines, isolating them from non‑motile sperm and debris, and incorporates a novel, power‑free pumping system for steady flow. The system meets clinical needs for sorting limited sperm samples and enables convenient at‑home motility assays.

Abstract

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.