Hello everyone! I am Stefan.
My current research relies on reproduction and more specifically male infertility. As most of you science enthusiasts know mammalian reproduction is somewhat unique and many things are not clear enough. Even though I am a geneticist by background, recently I am focused more on the movement mechanics of spermatozoa and how they can be sorted based on different factors . I am utilizing microfluidic channels to mimic the female reproductive tract which are basically small chips made out of polymers or glass with small channels printed in them that allow the movement of fluids and the manipulation of them.
The sex of the embryo is determined by the y chromosome which is present on the spermatozoa, so the end goal of my research is a) to select motile and healthy spermatozoa and b) to pre select the sex on a germ level with a non invasive and safe way. So far the only sex preselection is done with Prenatal genetic diagnosis after the fertilization of the embryo. Wouldn't it be nice to select before the IVF and save time and precious eggs? !!!
Bellow, I have posted a snapshot of the selection chamber in the middle of the microfluidic device. The present cells are all highly motile and alive.
That sounds fascinating! Never thought it would be possible to select sex this way. What kind of movement mechanics or factors do you look at when sorting spermatozoa?
Wow! What an interesting project, Stefan! Thank you so much for sharing. Would it be possible to run diagnostic tests for monogenetic diseases using the same approach?