The present invention relates to apparatuses for use in electrophoretic separation of macromolecules and/or cells.

A cytometer includes an avalanche photodiode, a switching power supply, a filter, and voltage adjustment circuitry. The switching power supply includes a feedback loop. The filter is electrically connected between the switching power supply and the avalanche photodiode. The voltage adjustment circuitry adjusts a voltage on the feedback loop based at least in part on a voltage measured between the filter and the avalanche photodiode.

Provided are methods of in vitro maturation of spermatogonium by culturing the spermatogonium in a three-dimensional methylcellulose culture system (MCS) in a culture medium which comprises an effective concentration of a factor selected from the group consisting of granulocyte macrophages-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), under conditions capable of differentiating the spermatogonium into at least meiotic and/or postmeiotic cells, thereby in vitro maturing the spermatogonium.

A device for testing the quality of a biological sample, preferably semen, in cooperation with an electronic apparatus, the device comprising; a slide slot adapted for receiving a slide containing a biological sample; a receiving surface adapted for receiving an electronic apparatus containing a camera, where the receiving surface comprises a through hole extending through said receiving surface; a light source arranged opposite the through hole; a lens arranged between the slide slot and the receiving surface, and adapted to magnify the image received at the receiving surface; where the slide slot is arranged between the light source and the through hole, the device further comprising a housing attached opposite the receiving surface, the housing having a shape allowing for a plurality of stable resting conditions in which the electronic apparatus lies on the receiving surface, and alignment between the camera and the through hole is maintained by friction.

The invention encompasses methods for reducing the proportion of sperm cells with abnormal morphology, and unviable sperm cells, in a sperm cell population.

The present invention relates to apparatuses for use in electrophoretic separation of macromolecules and/or cells, and in which circulating buffer streams are not required for the electrophoretic separation of macromolecules and/or cells. In certain embodiments, the electrophoretic apparatus disclosed herein comprise a sample chamber and a harvest chamber separated by a size-exclusion membrane; non-circulating buffer chambers flanking each respective sample chamber and harvest chamber, wherein each buffer chamber is separated from each respective sample chamber and harvest chamber by an ion-permeable membrane (restriction membrane), and wherein the buffer chambers are sealed and contain a buffer solution; and an electrode positioned in each buffer chamber. Also disclosed are related methods of using the electrophoretic apparatus disclosed herein.

Disclosed herein are methods for the detection of the presence of sperm DNA fragmentation in a semen sample. The methods include embedding of sperm cells of the semen sample in a gel, denaturing DNA of the sperm cells, and lysing the nuclear proteins of the sperm cells. The present method includes an ionic surfactant sodium dodycyl sulfate (SDS) and a chaotropic agent urea in the lysis solution for releasing DNA from protamine of chromosome, which significantly reduces the time required for lysis. A kit for detecting sperm DNA fragmentation in a semen sample is also disclosed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method for cryopreserving rat sperms and an in vitro fertilization method using cryopreserved rat sperms. The present invention provides a method for preparing cryopreserved rat sperms, characterized by comprising the following steps: step a: a preparation step of collecting rat sperms from the rat cauda epididymis to prepare a sperm suspension, step b: a cooling step of cooling the sperm suspension to about 1° C. or lower, and step c: a freezing step of freezing the rat sperm suspension cooled to about 1° C. or lower.

System and method includes a body having a central microchannel separated by one or more porous membranes. The membranes are configured to divide the central microchannel into a two or more parallel central microchannels, wherein one or more first fluids are applied through the first central microchannel and one or more second fluids are applied through the second or more central microchannels. The surfaces of each porous membrane can be coated with cell adhesive molecules to support the attachment of cells and promote their organization into tissues on the upper and lower surface of the membrane. The pores may be large enough to only permit exchange of gases and small chemicals, or to permit migration and transchannel passage of large proteins and whole living cells. Fluid pressure, flow and channel geometry also may be varied to apply a desired mechanical force to one or both tissue layers.

A sperm wash device for collecting motile sperm includes a first chamber section for holding an unwashed semen sample, a second chamber section for holding sperm wash media disposed over and attached to the first chamber section, and a ledge separating the first chamber section from the second chamber section. The ledge includes a slot therein that is configured be filled with sperm wash media that does not get recovered. A slider is placed on the ledge. Characteristically, the slider is moveable between a first position and a second position. At the first position, the slider allows fluid communication between the first chamber section and the second chamber section. At the second position, the slider blocks fluid communication between the first chamber section and the second chamber section. A method of using the sperm wash device is also provided.