Automated Sperm Sample Preparation Protocol

Nanonc proposes an automated system for sperm sample preparation that will take in raw ejaculate and output a purified sperm population in an IUI syringe in less than 15 minutes. The IUI syringe will be detachable from the rest of the system. During the 15 minutes, the clinician will not need to perform any actions; as the system will run all of the sample processing steps in an automated fashion. Furthermore, the system will have a footprint of a small desktop printer that is portable to be conveniently placed on a bench in clinical setting. A portable system that performs automated isolation of sperm from ejaculate will revolutionize sperm processing and increase access to sperm sample preparation. Additionally, the system will decrease cost, time and skill required to process sperm, and potentially improve outcomes for patients with low sperm counts. By increasing the yield and precision of sperm isolation and concentration techniques, the investigator's approach has the potential to offer this exact benefit by specifically providing the opportunity for some patients to try less invasive and less expensive procedures.