WO2020188600A1

WO2020188600A1 - Sperm selection apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2020188600A1
Application number: PCT/IN2020/050259
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sravan Kumar PAYELI
Original assignee: Payeli Sravan Kumar
Priority date: 2019-03-20
Filing date: 2020-03-19
Publication date: 2020-09-24

Abstract

In an example, a sperm selection apparatus (200), comprises a first sperm pick-up chamber (208) formed on a base surface (204) and connected to a sperm loading chamber (206) via a first path (P1), a second sperm pick-up chamber (210) formed on the base surface (204) and connected to the sperm loading chamber via a second path (P2) for sperms to flow from the sperm loading chamber (206) to the second sperm pick-up chamber (210); and one or more barriers (300) are formed in at least one of the first path (P1) or second path (P2), wherein the one or more barriers (300) replicate physical barriers of cervix for selection of sperms.

Description

SPERM SELECTION APPARATUS

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present subject matter relates, in general, to sperm selection, and, particularly, to sperm selection apparatus.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is utilized in various medical procedures, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) belongs to ART, which are performed to address infertility in humans. These medical procedures bypass the natural process of sexual intercourse and meeting of the sperm and the egg is done outside a human body to achieve fertilization. For the fertilization to take place with these procedures, it is required that highly motile (mobile + fertile) sperms are selected from a sample load of semen. Selection or separation of highly motile sperms from low motility sperms play an important role in the success of ART procedure outcome.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0003] The detailed descriptions are depicted with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some implementations of the system(s), in accordance with the present subject matter, are described by way of examples, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0004] FIGS. 1 (a) to 1 (c) illustrate a schematic view of arrangements to execute the conventional sperm selection methods;

[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a sperm selection apparatus, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter; [0006] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of region A of a path P1 (encircled with dashed Line in FIG. 2) of the sperm selection apparatus of FIG. 2;

[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of region B of a path P1 (encircled with dashed Line in FIG. 2) of the sperm selection apparatus of FIG. 2; and

[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates the co-relation between a female reproductive system and the sperm selection apparatus of FIG. 2.

[0009] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a configuration of a sperm loading chamber and a sperm pick chamber of a sperm selection plate, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter;

[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the sperm loading chamber and the sperm pick chamber of FIG. 6; and

[0011] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of a sperm selection plate, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0012] Conventional Assisted reproductive technology (ART) applications include a swim up process, a double gradient centrifugation process, a microfluidic sorting, etc.

[0013] FIG. 1 (a) illustrates a schematic view of an arrangement to execute the the swim up process. In the swim up process, a liquefied pre- processed or unprocessed semen 100b is collected at the bottom of a tube

100 and a culture medium 100a is layered over the loaded semen sample 100b. The tube 100 is incubated for a period of about 20 minutes to 60 minutes, during which the high motility sperms 100c swim up or move into the culture medium 100a. This process leads to a problem of mixing high motility sperms and low motility sperms due to the saturation of sperms into culture medium and semen sample, if the tube is not handled carefully or if the tube is left for incubation for more than the required time. Also, the amount of motile sperms retrieved through this process is low, as after a specific time sperm cells get exhausted and are settled at the bottom of the tube due to the gravity over time. [0014] FIG. 1 (b) illustrates a schematic view of an arrangement to execute a double gradient centrifugation process. In the double gradient centrifugation process, the sperms are separated from semen sample 102a collected in a tube 102 for separating the high-density sperm from low density sperm based on the sperm density and buoyancy instead of motility. This process is executed by the application of centrifugal force using a centrifuge 106 on the semen sample 102a for separating the high-density sperms 102b from low density sperm. Though this method is widely used, various studies conducted for this process of sperm selection show that the application of density gradient centrifugation on the sperms lead to physical stress on sperm cells during high speed spinning and exposure to gradient solutions, lead to several unwanted biological stress related reactions before the selected sperms are used for IVF/ICSI procedures.

[0015] FIG. 1 (c) illustrates a schematic view of an arrangement to execute a sperm sedimentation process. The sperm sedimentation process has a sperm sorting step, in which the difference between motile sperms and non-motile sperms is determined on the basis of the ability of a sperm to swim up and get sedimented in a tube. A sample semen 104b is collected at the bottom of the tube 104 and a sperm medium 104 is layered over the sample semen 104b. The sperms 104c swimming up towards the medium 104 are considered to be motile. In the sperm sedimentation process, the lowering of DNA integrity could be prevented but the amount of sperm retrieved are significantly lower than the amount of sperms retrieved in the swim up process and the double gradient centrifugation process.

[0016] The above described conventional processes may select the right quality sperm, but number of motile sperm yielded is very low. The distance travelled by the sperm in the above-mentioned processes is also dependent on the instruments and containers being utilized for executing any of the above process. Constraints with respect to the size of the tube or container for semen processing and the volume of the culture medium may decide the distance travelled by the sperm. The sperm that qualify to be motile sperm, according to the conventional processes, travel through a very short distance as compared to the distance to be travelled by the sperm to meet the egg in the female reproductive system in a natural process of fertilization. Thus, the sperm picked up, for being motile, using the conventional processes may not be competent to fuse with eggs as the distance travelled by the sperm or correct density are not the factors in a natural sperm selection process. In the natural sperm selection process a competent sperm travels long distance i.e. from uterus to fallopian tubes. This deficiency in the existing processes deviates from the natural selection criteria of sperms from semen sample during ART procedures.

[0017] The present subject matter describes a sperm selection apparatus, which facilitates selection of sperm based on motility and distance travelled in a more natural manner close to human physiology.

[0018] In an example implementation of the present subject matter, a sperm selection apparatus is provided with three chambers. A first chamber is connected to a second chamber via a first path. The first chamber is connected to the third chamber via a second path. The paths are formed in a zig-zag shape and the length of each of the paths is equivalent to an average distance between the cervix and fallopian tubes in a female human being. Width of each of the paths is also replicated similar to the diameter of the fallopian tubes. Each path is provided with one or more barriers, which are made of plastic. The barriers separate high motile sperms from low motile sperms and trap the stagnate cell debris. A semen sample is loaded or placed on the first chamber. The second chamber and the third chamber are the sperm pick-up chambers. The sperms which are able to travel across the two respective paths and fall into any of the two sperm pick-up chambers are considered to be highly motile and competent sperms for use in ART related procedures, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

[0019] In another example implementation of the present subject matter, a sperm selection apparatus comprises a base surface, a sperm loading chamber formed on the base surface and a first sperm pick-up chamber formed on the base surface and connected to the sperm loading chamber via a first path for sperms to flow from the sperm loading chamber to the first sperm pick-up chamber. In another example implementation of the present subject matter, the sperm selection apparatus comprises a second sperm pick-up chamber formed on the base surface and connected to the sperm loading chamber via a second path for sperms to flow from the sperm loading chamber to the second sperm pick-up chamber. One or more barriers are formed in at least one of the first path or the second path and replicate physical barriers of cervix for selection of sperms.

[0020] In an example, a ratio of a depth of the sperm loading chamber from a point of coupling of the first path with the sperm loading chamber to a depth of the sperm pick-up chamber from a point of coupling of the first path with the sperm pick-up chamber is 3:4. In another example, the ratio of a depth of the sperm loading chamber from a point of coupling of the first path with the sperm loading chamber to a depth of the sperm pick-up chamber from a point of coupling of the first path with the sperm pick-up chamber is 1 :2. The first path has a length in a range from 1 cm to 10 cm and the length is inversely proportional to a height of the first path and an internal width of the first path.

[0021] In another example implementation, the sperm selection apparatus comprises one or more arrangements having the sperm loading chamber the first sperm pick-up chamber connected to the sperm loading chamber via a first path for sperms to flow from the sperm loading chamber to the first sperm pick-up chamber and the second sperm pick-up chamber connected to the sperm loading chamber via a second path for sperms to flow from the sperm loading chamber to the second sperm pick-up chamber.

[0022] The usage of the sperm selection apparatus of the present subject matter is simple as any additional processes and additional mediums are not required to execute the sperm selection process. [0023] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in a greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 2-4 in the following description. The manner in which the sperm selection apparatus is implemented and used shall be explained in detail with respect to FIGS. 2-4. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are intended only to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects and implementations of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a sperm selection apparatus 200, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. The sperm selection apparatus 200, hereinafter may be referred to as the apparatus 200, has a boundary wall 202 that is formed along a periphery of a base surface 204 of the apparatus 200. In an example, the boundary wall 202 is a square shaped closed loop wall, as shown in FIG. 2. Although, the boundary wall 202 is shown as a square shaped closed loop wall, in example implementations, the boundary wall may be a polygonal closed loop wall. In an example, the boundary wall is a circular closed loop wall.

[0025] In an example, the polygonal closed loop wall comprises four walls 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d. The four walls 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d include a first side having a first set of protrusions 214. The four walls 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d include a second side having a second set of protrusions 216. In an example, the first side is opposite to the second side. The first set of protrusions 214 on the first side has a first shape profile and the second set of protrusions 216 on the second side has a second shape profile. The first shape profile is different from the second shape profile. The first set of protrusions and the second set of protrusions support the gripping of the sperm selection apparatus 200 by a user.

[0026] In an example, the first set of protrusions 214 on one side may have a semi-circular shape, whereas the second set of protrusions 216 on the opposite side may have a triangular shape. The different geometries may allow the user to correctly orient the apparatus 200.

[0027] The base surface 204 is provided with three chambers, i.e., a sperm loading chamber 206 and two sperm pick-up chambers 208 and 210. The sperm loading chamber 206, is the chamber, where a semen sample is loaded or placed with or without pre-processing. The sperm loading chamber 206 is formed on a base surface 204. A first sperm pick-up chamber 208 and a second sperm pick-up chamber 210, are the chambers, from where the motile sperms may be collected for ART processes. The first sperm pick-up chamber 208 is formed on the base surface 204 and is connected to the sperm loading chamber 206 via a first path P1 for sperms to flow from the sperm loading chamber 206 to the first sperm pick-up chamber 208. The second sperm pick-up chamber 210 is formed on the base surface 204 and is connected to the sperm loading chamber 206 via a second path P2 for sperms to flow from the sperm loading chamber 206 to the second sperm pick-up chamber 210. Each of the first and second paths P1 and P2 are formed as a zig-zag channel, as shown in FIG. 2, and the length of each path from sperm pick-up chambers 208, 210 constituting the zig-zag flow of the path (i.e., not the straight-line distance between the centers of the sperm loading chamber 206 and the first / second sperm pick up chamber 208 / 210 is equivalent to an average distance between the cervix and fallopian tubes in a female human being. In an example, the length of the first / second path P1 / P2 is in a range of 10 cm to 20 cm. The inner width of each of the first and second paths P1 and P2, through which the sperm flow, is also replicated as that of the fallopian tubes in a female human being. The outer width of the first / second path P1 / P2 is in a range of 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm.

[0028] The channel of the path P1 and the channel of the path P2 have same shape. In an example, the channel of the path P1 and the channel of the path P2 have different shapes. In FIG. 2, the channel of the path P1 and the channel of the path P2 are shown symmetrical to each other about an axis 212. In an example, the channel of the path P1 and the channel of the path P2 may be asymmetrical to each other about the axis 212.

[0029] The paths are provided with one or more barriers 300. The one or more barriers 300 are formed in at least one of the first path P1 and second path P2, where the one or more barriers 300 replicate physical barriers of cervix for selection of sperms. In one example, the barriers may be made of plastic.

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of region A of a path P1 (encircled with dashed Line in FIG. 2) of the sperm selection apparatus of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 shows a barrier 300 in the path P1. A barrier 300 is integrated in the first path P1 , in which side-A of the barrier 300 is sloped. The barrier 300 is configured such that the slopy side (side-A) faces the sperms moving in a first direction (direction X) away from the sperm loading chamber 206 to the first sperm pick-up chamber 208 and the vertical side (side-B) faces the sperms moving in a second direction (direction Y) from the first sperm pick up chamber 208 towards the sperm loading chamber 206. For a sperm to be considered as competent, the sperm has to climb the slopy side-A of the barrier 300. The internal angle formed between the slopy side-A and a base 310 of the path P1 is in a range from 20^Q to 60^Q. Side-B of the barrier 300 make an angle of 90^Q with the base 310 of the path P1. The height (h) of the barrier 300 to the height (FI) of walls of the zig-zag channels is in the ratio of 1 :3.25 to 1 :2.75. In an example, the height of the barriers to the height of the zig-zag channels is in the ratio of 1 :3. [0031] In an example, each of the first path P1 and the second path P2 may include one or more barriers, like the barrier 300 shown in FIG. 3. As may be understood, the high motile sperms may pass through the entire distance with barriers in the path P1 , P2, and the low motile sperms may not pass through the barriers in the path P1 , P2.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of region B of a path P1 (encircled with dashed Line in FIG. 2) of the sperm selection apparatus of FIG. 2. The path P1 may be provided with intermediate walls 402a, 402b, 402c that are formed parallel to the internal walls 400a, 400b of the path P1. N number of intermediate walls may be provided to divide the channel formed by the path P1 into N+1 sub-channels. In an example, N is 3. The width (W1 ) of the channel formed by the path P1 is in a range from 0.8 cm to 1.2 cm. In an example width (W1 ) of the channel formed by the path P1 is 1 cm. The intermediate walls 402a, 402b, 402c are arranged such that width (w1 , w2, w3, w4) of the subchannels 404a, 404b, 404c, 404d may be same or different with respect to each other In an example, the intermediate walls 402a, 402b, 402c may be equidistant to each other. The natural movement direction of the sperms is random and is highly unlikely that sperms travel in the forward progression of the paths. The intermediate walls 402a, 402b, 402c within the paths provide guidance to the sperms to travel in the required forward progression of the paths. The sperms that are able to climb the slopy side of the barrier and move forward are considered as competent sperms. Although, three intermediate walls are shown, however, in an example, one intermediate wall, two intermediate walls, or more than three intermediate walls may also be included in the path P1 / P2. Further, although, the intermediate walls are shown and described with respect to the path P1 , in an example, the path P2 may also include one or more intermediate walls.

[0033] The sperms, which are able to travel across the path P1 / P2, fall into the sperm collection chamber 208 / 210 as shown in FIG. 2. The sperms collected in the sperm collection chamber 208 / 210 are considered to be highly motile and representation of naturally selected sperms is based on the ability of the sperms to travel defined directional distance of the paths P1 , P2. The selected sperms are used for ART procedures. In an example, the ovum can be loaded into the sperm collection chamber 208 to allow invitro fertilization and the sperms collected in the second collection chamber 210 may be utilized for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates the co-relation between a female reproductive system 500 and the sperm selection apparatus 200 of FIG. 2. The sperm selection apparatus 200 is formed in line with the female reproductive system 500. The sperm loading chamber 206 represents a sperm deposition area 506 of the female reproductive system 500. In the female reproductive system 500, the sperms travel from the sperm deposition area to the egg fertilization areas 502 and 504. In the sperm selection apparatus 200, the distance (y) from the junction connecting the path P1 and the sperm loading chamber 206 to the junction connecting the path P1 and the first sperm pick-up chamber 208 is in a range from 6 cm to 10 cm. Likewise, the distance (y) from the junction connecting the path P2 and the sperm loading chamber 206 to the junction connecting the path P2 and the second sperm pick-up chamber 208 is in a range from 6 cm to 10 cm. In an example, y is in a range from 7 cm to 9 cm. In another example, y is 8 cm. The distance y is similar to a distance B from the sperm deposition area 506 to the confluences 508 and 510 of the egg fertilization areas 502 and 504 respectively in the female reproductive system 500.

[0035] The barriers within the zig-zag paths with of the sperm selection apparatus 200 replicate the physical barriers of cervix for stringent selection of sperms in a female reproductive system. The egg fertilization areas 502 and 504 of the female reproductive system 500 are replicated by the sperm pick-up chambers 208 and 210 of the sperm selection apparatus 200. The minimum distance (x) between an outer boundary of the first sperm pick-up chamber (208) and an outer boundary of the second sperm pick-up chamber is in a range from 3 cm to 7 cm. In an example, x is in the range from 4 cm to 6 cm. In another example, x is 5 cm. The minimum distance x is similar to a distance A in the egg fertilization areas 502 and 504 of the female reproductive system 500.

[0036] The open zigzag channel allows the sperm to be collected from any travelled position of paths P1 , P2 and at any traveling time. In a case, when all the sperms from the sample semen are not able to reach to the pick-up chambers 208, 210, then the freedom to collect the sperm from any traveling position and at any traveling time enables the selection of the best sperm from medium and poor motile sperms in the semen sample. Current existing methods, saturate the highly motile sperm with poor motile sperm as the direction of the path is random. Current invention, allows the travel of the sperm in forward direction and with identification of the best sperms for ART procedures. The sperm selection apparatus 200 of the present subject matter is cost effective and provides best possibility of selecting good morphology and best motility sperm.

[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a configuration 600 of a sperm loading chamber 602 and a sperm pick chamber 604 of a sperm selection plate, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. The configuration 600 of the sperm loading chamber 602 and the sperm pick chamber 604 connected by a path 606 is similar to the configuration of the sperm loading chamber 206 connected to the first sperm pick-up chamber 208 via the path P1 of the sperm selection plate 200 of FIG. 2 or the configuration of the sperm loading chamber 206 connected to the second sperm pick-up chamber 210 via the path P2 of the sperm selection plate 200 of FIG. 2. The paths (P1 , P2) of FIG. 2 are different from the path 606 of FIG.6. In an example, the path 606 is a straight path.

[0038] The sperm loading chamber 602 and the sperm pick up chamber 604 are provided with circular openings 610a and 610b, respectively. A first end 606a of the path 606 is connected to the sperm loading chamber 602, such that an outlet 618 of the path 606 is formed as an opening in the sperm loading chamber 602 for the movement of the sperms of the semen sample 616 from the sperm loading chamber 602 to the sperm pick-up chamber 604. A second end 606b of the path 606 is connected to the sperm pick-up chamber 604, such that an inlet 622 is formed as another opening in the sperm pick-up chamber 604. A semen sample 616 is loaded in the sperm loading chamber 602 through the circular opening 610a. The semen sample 616 is poured such that, the top surface of the semen sample 616 is always below a base surface 620 of the path 606 to avoid unwanted free fluid motion of the sperms into the path 606. A culture medium 624 is poured into the sperm pick-up chamber 604 from the top, till the culture medium 624 reaches up to the level, where the culture medium 624 starts overflowing through the inlet 622 of the path 606 and reaches into the sperm loading chamber 602 through the outlet 618 of the path 606. The pouring of the culture medium 624 into the sperm pick-up chamber 604 is stopped when the sperm loading chamber 602 is completely filled by the culture medium 624. The level or height of the culture medium 624 is inversely proportional to the distance of the path connecting the sperm loading chamber 602 and the sperm pick-up chamber. Increase in the volume of the culture medium 624 leads to increase in space for the sperms to travel within the path i.e. the space for motility is increased. Higher the level or height of the culture medium, the longer the sperms will take to travel from the sperm loading chamber 602 to the sperm pick-up chamber 604. The fluidic nature of the culture medium 624 enables the culture medium 624 to act as a carrier for the sperms from the sperm loading chamber 602 to the sperm pick-up chamber 604. Upon the introduction of the semen sample 616 into the sperm loading chamber 602, a random- horizontal motion of the sperm is transformed into a vertical motion. The sperms from the semen sample 616 travel from the sperm loading chamber 602 to the sperm pick-up chamber 604. The sperms that travel the complete length of the path 606 fall into the sperm pick-up chamber 604 and are considered to be the highly motile sperms. The path 606 is formed so as to replicate the fallopian tubes of the female reproductive system.

[0039] A thickness of an internal base surface 614 of the sperm loading chamber 602 consumes a part of internal volume of the sperm loading chamber 602 and creates a dead space. In an example, the internal volume consumed by the dead space of the internal base surface 614 of the sperm loading chamber 602 is in the range from 25% to 50% of the total internal volume of the sperm loading chamber 602. In another example, the internal volume consumed by the dead space of the internal base surface 614 of the sperm loading chamber 602 is in the range from 35% to 40% of the total internal volume of the sperm loading chamber 602. The dead space of the sperm loading chamber 602 reduces the depth of the sperm loading chamber 602 as compared to the depth of the sperm pick-up chamber 602. The depth of the sperm pick-up chamber is greater than the depth of the sperm loading chamber 602 to facilitate the quick vertical motion of the sperms in the sperm loading chamber into the culture medium and further towards the outlet 618 of the path 606 and to prevent the reflex back of the motile sperms back into the path 606 and further back into the sperm loading chamber 602.

[0040] In an example, a ratio of a depth of the sperm loading chamber

(602) from a point of coupling of the first path (606) with the sperm loading chamber (602) to a depth of the sperm pick-up chamber (604) from a point of coupling of the first path (606) with the sperm pick-up chamber (604) is 3:4. In another example, a ratio of a depth of the sperm loading chamber (602) from a point of coupling of the first path (606) with the sperm loading chamber (602) to a depth of the sperm pick-up chamber (604) from a point of coupling of the first path (606) with the sperm pick-up chamber (604) is 1 :2.

[0041] The distance (D) from the end 612 of the sperm loading chamber 602 to path is in the range from 3 mm to 9 mm. In an example, the distance (D) from the bottom end of the sperm loading chamber 602 to path is in the range from 4 mm to 8 mm. In another example, the distance (D) from the bottom surface of the sperm loading chamber 602 to path is in the range from 5 mm to 7 mm. In yet another example, the distance (D) from the bottom surface of the sperm loading chamber 602 to path is 6 mm. The circular openings 610a and 610b of the sperm loading chamber 602 and the sperm pick up chamber 604 have a wall thickness (t) in the range from 1 mm to 1.5 mm. The internal width (W2) of the path 606 is in the range from 1 mm to 1.5 mm as shown in FIG. 7. The length (p) of the path from the first end 606a to the second end 606b is in the range of 1 cm to 6 cm. In an example, the length (p) of the path from the first end to the second end is in the range of 2 cm to 5 cm. In another example, the length (p) of the path from the first end to the second end is in the range of 3 cm to 4 cm. The height (a) of the path 606 is in the range from 3 mm to 5 mm. In an example, the height (a) of the path 606 is 4 mm. The circular openings 610a and 610b have a diameter (d) in the range from 1 cm to 2 cm as shown in FIG. 7.

[0042] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of a sperm selection plate 800, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. Although, the exemplary sperm selection plate 200 of FIG. 2 has one arrangement 202 of a set of the loading chamber, and the two pick-up chambers connected by the paths, in an example, a sperm selection plate can have more than one such arrangements if simultaneous processing of more than one semen samples is required. The sperm selection plate 800, in FIG. 8, has four such arrangements 802, 804, 806, 808, where each of the arrangements 802, 804, 806, 808 has reduced dimensions in comparison to the dimension of the arrangement 202 of the sperm selection plate 200. Although, FIG. 8 shows the sperm selection plate 800 with four arrangements 802, 804, 806, 808, in an example, a sperm selection plate may include two, three, or more than four such arrangements.

[0043] Although examples for the present disclosure have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the specific features or methods described herein. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed and explained as examples of the present disclosure.

[0044] In an example, a sperm selection apparatus (200) comprises: a base surface (204); a sperm loading chamber (206, 602) formed on the base surface (204); and a first sperm pick-up chamber (208, 604) formed on the base surface (204) and connected to the sperm loading chamber (206, 602) via a first path (P1 , 606) for sperms to flow from the sperm loading chamber (206) to the first sperm pick-up chamber (208, 604).

[0045] In an example, the sperm selection apparatus (200) comprises: a second sperm pick-up chamber (210) formed on the base surface (204) and connected to the sperm loading chamber (206) via a second path (P2) for sperms to flow from the sperm loading chamber (206) to the second sperm pick-up chamber (210); and one or more barriers (300) are formed in at least one of the first path (P1 ) or the second path (P2), wherein the one or more barriers (300) replicate physical barriers of cervix for selection of sperms.

[0046] In an example, a ratio of a depth of the sperm loading chamber (602) from a point of coupling of the first path (606) with the sperm loading chamber (602) to a depth of the sperm pick-up chamber (604) from a point of coupling of the first path (606) with the sperm pick-up chamber (604) is 3:4.

[0047] In an example, a ratio of a depth of the sperm loading chamber (602) from a point of coupling of the first path (606) with the sperm loading chamber (602) to a depth of the sperm pick-up chamber (604) from a point of coupling of the first path (606) with the sperm pick-up chamber (604) is 1 :2.

[0048] In an example, the first path (606) has a length (P) in a range from 1 cm to 10 cm, wherein the length (P) is inversely proportional to a height (a) of the first path (606) and an internal width (W2) of the first path (606). [0049] In an example, the sperm selection apparatus (200) comprises: a boundary wall (202) formed along a periphery of the base surface (204), wherein the boundary wall (202) is a polygonal closed loop wall.

[0050] In an example, the boundary wall (202) is a circular closed loop wall.

[0051] In an example, the polygonal closed loop wall comprises four walls with: a first side, of the four walls, having a first set of protrusions; and a second side, of the four walls, having a second set of protrusions, wherein the second side is opposite to the first side.

[0052] In an example, the first set of protrusions on the first side has a first shape profile and the second set of protrusions on the second side has a second shape profile, wherein the first profile is different from the second profile.

[0053] In an example, each of the first path (P1 ) and the second path

(P2) is a channel having a length and an inner width which replicates that of the fallopian tubes structure in a female human being.

[0054] In an example, a height (h) of the barrier (300) to a height (H) of inner walls of the zig-zag channels is in the ratio of 1 :3.25 to 1 :2.75.

[0055] In an example, the inner width of the zig-zag channel is in a range from 0.8 cm to 1.2 cm.

[0056] In an example, the channel of the path (P1 ) and the channel of the path (P2) have same shape.

[0057] In an example, the channel of path (P1 ) and the channel of path (P2) have different shapes.

[0058] In an example, the one or more barriers (300) are made of plastic.

[0059] In an example, the one or more barrier (300) has a slopy side that faces the sperms moving in a first direction away from the sperm loading chamber (206). [0060] In an example, the slopy side of the one or more barriers (300) forms an internal angle with a surface parallel to the base surface (204) in a range from 20^Q to 60^Q.

[0061] In an example, the one or more barrier (300) has a vertical side that faces the sperms moving in a second direction towards the sperm loading chamber (206).

[0062] In an example, at least one of the first path (P1 ) and second path (P2) is provided with one or more intermediate walls (402a, 402b, 402c) that act as guides to direct the sperms in a forward progression away from the sperm loading chamber (206).

[0063] In an example, one or more intermediate walls (402a, 402b, 402c) are formed parallel to inner walls (400a, 400b) of at least one of the first path (P1 ) and second path (P2).

[0064] In an example, the intermediate walls (402a, 402b, 402c) are equidistant from each other. In an example, each of the first path (P1 ) and the second path (P2) has a length in a range from 10 cm to 20 cm.

[0065] In an example, a sperm selection apparatus (800) comprises one or more arrangements (802, 804, 806, 808), wherein each of the one or more arrangements (802, 804, 806, 808) comprises: the sperm loading chamber (206, 602); the first sperm pick-up chamber (208, 604) connected to the sperm loading chamber (206, 602) via a first path (P1 , 606) for sperms to flow from the sperm loading chamber (206) to the first sperm pick-up chamber (208, 604); and the second sperm pick-up chamber (210) connected to the sperm loading chamber (206) via a second path (P2) for sperms to flow from the sperm loading chamber (206) to the second sperm pick-up chamber (210), as described in the description above.

Claims

I/We claim:

1 . A sperm selection apparatus (200) comprising:

a base surface (204);

a sperm loading chamber (206, 602) formed on the base surface (204); and

a first sperm pick-up chamber (208, 604) formed on the base surface (204) and connected to the sperm loading chamber (206, 602) via a first path (P1 , 606) for sperms to flow from the sperm loading chamber (206) to the first sperm pick-up chamber (208, 604).

2. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sperm selection apparatus (200) comprises:

a second sperm pick-up chamber (210) formed on the base surface (204) and connected to the sperm loading chamber (206) via a second path (P2) for sperms to flow from the sperm loading chamber (206) to the second sperm pick-up chamber (210); and

one or more barriers (300) are formed in at least one of the first path (P1 ) or the second path (P2), wherein the one or more barriers (300) replicate physical barriers of cervix for selection of sperms.

3. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a ratio of a depth of the sperm loading chamber (602) from a point of coupling of the first path (606) with the sperm loading chamber (602) to a depth of the sperm pick-up chamber (604) from a point of coupling of the first path (606) with the sperm pick-up chamber (604) is 3:4.

4. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a ratio of a depth of the sperm loading chamber (602) from a point of coupling of the first path (606) with the sperm loading chamber (602) to a depth of the sperm pick-up chamber (604) from a point of coupling of the first path (606) with the sperm pick-up chamber (604) is 1 :2.

5. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first path (606) has a length (P) in a range from 1 cm to 10 cm, wherein the length (P) is inversely proportional to a height (a) of the first path (606) and an internal width (W2) of the first path (606).

6. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sperm selection apparatus (200) comprises:

a boundary wall (202) formed along a periphery of the base surface (204), wherein the boundary wall (202) is a polygonal closed loop wall.

7. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the boundary wall (202) is a circular closed loop wall.

8. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the polygonal closed loop wall comprises four walls with:

a first side, of the four walls, having a first set of protrusions; and a second side, of the four walls, having a second set of protrusions, wherein the second side is opposite to the first side.

9. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first set of protrusions on the first side has a first shape profile and the second set of protrusions on the second side has a second shape profile, wherein the first profile is different from the second profile.

10. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the first path (P1 ) and the second path (P2) is a channel having a length and an inner width which replicates that of the fallopian tubes structure in a female human being.

1 1 . The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein a height (h) of the barrier (300) to a height (H) of inner walls of the zig-zag channels is in the ratio of 1 :3.25 to 1 :2.75.

12. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the inner width of the zig-zag channel is in a range from 0.8 cm to 1 .2 cm.

13. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the channel of the path (P1 ) and the channel of the path (P2) have same shape.

14. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the channel of path (P1 ) and the channel of path (P2) have different shapes.

15. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more barriers (300) are made of plastic.

16. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more barrier (300) has a slopy side that faces the sperms moving in a first direction away from the sperm loading chamber (206).

17. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the slopy side of the one or more barriers (300) forms an internal angle with a surface parallel to the base surface (204) in a range from 20^Q to 60^Q.

18. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the one or more barrier (300) has a vertical side that faces the sperms moving in a second direction towards the sperm loading chamber (206).

19. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one of the first path (P1 ) and second path (P2) is provided with one or more intermediate walls (402a, 402b, 402c) that act as guides to direct the sperms in a forward progression away from the sperm loading chamber (206).

20. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 19, wherein one or more intermediate walls (402a, 402b, 402c) are formed parallel to inner walls (400a, 400b) of at least one of the first path (P1 ) and second path (P2).

21. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the intermediate walls (402a, 402b, 402c) are equidistant from each other.

22. The sperm selection apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the first path (P1 ) and the second path (P2) has a length in a range from 10 cm to 20 cm.

23. A sperm selection apparatus (800) comprising one or more arrangements (802, 804, 806, 808), wherein each of the one or more arrangements (802, 804, 806, 808) comprises: the sperm loading chamber (206, 602); the first sperm pick-up chamber (208, 604) connected to the sperm loading chamber (206, 602) via a first path (P1 , 606) for sperms to flow from the sperm loading chamber (206) to the first sperm pick-up chamber (208, 604); and the second sperm pick-up chamber (210) connected to the sperm loading chamber (206) via a second path (P2) for sperms to flow from the sperm loading chamber (206) to the second sperm pick-up chamber (210), as claimed in one of claims 2 to 22.