Described herein are methods and systems for selecting and analyzing sperm cells. In particular, described herein are methods and systems for isolating bicephalic sperm cells and performing genomic analysis on the same while maintaining the viability of the sperm cell for implantation. Such systems and methods may be used in, for example, assisted reproduction and animal breeding applications.

The invention relates to a microchannel device for preparation of sperm, the device comprising: an inlet; an extraction zone; and a channel fluidly connecting the inlet to the extraction zone; wherein the channel comprises a plurality of orienting features operable to bias a direction of sperm cell movement within the channel towards a preferred direction; and wherein the channel has a length of approximately 1 centimetre or greater. Further, the invention relates to a method of sperm preparation using the microchannel device.

The present invention provides highly advantageous and efficient methods for spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transfer for the generation of animals having valuable traits or genetic background.

The present invention provides novel methods of cell staining, such as bovine sperm, using electroporation or osmolality treatments at viability-enhancing temperatures. Furthermore, methods of highly efficient cell sorting that are especially suitable in sorting bovine sperm using novel cell staining procedures are also provided.

A method for improving quality of a mammalian semen sample includes providing an insoluble carrier carrying at least one ligand that binds to an indicator of impaired sperm membrane integrity and/or motility, or the insoluble carrier carrying at least one molecule capable of binding to the at least one ligand, and contacting the semen sample and the insoluble carrier to provide a bound sperm cell population and an unbound sperm cell population, The insoluble carrier may be a plurality of beads each carrying the at least one ligand or the at least one molecule. The indicator may be associated with one or both of impaired sperm acrosome and impaired sperm plasma membrane integrity. The ligand may be an antibody. The molecule may be one of streptavidin, protein A, and an anti-ligand antibody. Kits for performing the method are provided.

This disclosure concerns a cytometry system including a handling system that enables presentation of single cells to at least one laser source. The laser source is configured to deliver light to a cell within the cells in order to induce bond vibrations in the cellular DNA. The system further includes a detection facility that detects the signature of the bond vibrations, wherein the bond vibration signature is used to determine the folding or packing of the DNA.

The invention concerns the fields of microtechnologies, biology and medicine and relates to a method for producing mobility in immobile cells as can be used, for example, for in vivo or in vitro fertilization.

The object of the present invention is to specify a method for producing mobility in individual immobile cells, with which method activity and guided mobility in previously immobile cells can be achieved.

The object is attained with a method for producing mobility in immobile cells in which an immobile cell is connected to a microstructure, .wherein the microstructure is composed at least partially of magnetic materials and a non-reciprocal movement of the microstructure with the immobile cell is executed by means of a time-varying, three-dimensional external magnetic field.

The present invention provides highly advantageous and efficient methods for spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transfer for the generation of animals having valuable traits or genetic background.

Methods for processing and sorting sperm are disclosed. Portions of sperm sorting or staining processes may include standardizing sperm samples by adjusting the concentration of the sperm sample to a predetermined concentration and adjusting the pH of the sample to a predetermined value. Sperm may also be stained in a single staining buffer having a DNA selective dye and a quenching dye.

Motile particles are sorted from non-motile particles in a microfluidic sorting device wherein a stream of sort fluid containing motile and non-motile particles is caused to flow adjacent a media stream in non-turbulent fashion through a sort channel, during which flow motile particles cross the interface between the adjacent flow streams, entering the media stream, and forming a motile particle-depleted sort stream. The sorting devices are easily and inexpensively fabricated and have numerous uses, in particular sorting of motile from non-motile sperm.