The present invention relates to a kit suitable for preparing a sustained release composition, in particular for preparing a sustained release composition comprising spermatozoa embedded within an alginate matrix.

The present invention provides apparatus and methods for artificial insemination or in-vitro fertilization for use with livestock that maintains the sterility of the semen or embryo(s) until deposited at an optimum location in the reproductive tract of the animal without the maneuvering or tissue injury problems associated with existing devices. The invention includes a uniquely shaped opening that is provided at the tip of a sheath that is used with an artificial insemination gun. A plug or diaphragm having a rounded (convex) exterior surface completely covers the opening at the tip of the sheath, and seals it closed in a smooth, flush engagement to prevent contaminants from collecting upon the tip, or entering into the sheath during the trip through the reproductive tract of the animal. Once the sheath is properly placed in the reproductive tract, application of fluid pressure to the inside the sheath causes the plug to move or deform without becoming detached from the sheath, thereby allowing contents of the sheath to exit. The unique tip with its opening and corresponding plug may be provided in a separate cap that is installed at the end of an insemination sheath.

Systems for sorting sperm include a housing and a microfluidic system supported by the housing. The systems also include two or more inlets providing access to the microfluidic system to deliver sperm or semen and fluid to the microfluidic system, as well as an outlet for harvesting sorted sperm. The systems include a flow channel that provides a flow path for sperm from an inlet to an outlet while sperm travels against a fluid flow towards an outlet for harvesting. In the systems, fluid delivered to the microfluidic system via an inlet flows from the inlet towards one or more outlets, and the flow channel extending along the length of the microfluidic system provides a flow path for motile sperm to travel against the fluid flow towards a collection outlet for harvesting. In some embodiments of a system, the microfluidic system also includes a microporous filter arranged in the flow path between the inlet and the collection outlet to cause motile sperm traveling against the fluid flow to pass through the filter to reach the collection outlet for harvesting.

An apparatus for collecting seminal fluids, and specifically an artificial cervix for collecting seminal fluids for artificial insemination, is provided herein. The cervix comprises an elongated cylindrical member having either a closed end for receiving and storing ejaculated semen or an open end for allowing ejaculate to pass through, and an open end having a rim of a diameter sufficient to receive the penis of the animal. A handle can be detachably connected to the cylindrical member that allows users to hold the cervix in the correct position during collection of the animal's seminal fluids.

The present invention relates to methods of and compositions comprising cytokines for, improving the success rate of embryo implantation and the success rate of pregnancy rates in females, by providing an immunopermissive uterine environment prior to insemination or implantation of embryos. The methods of the present invention are used to make the uterus more receptive or less hostile to, for example, transferred embryos, sperm or other allografted tissue.

Microfluidic systems are configured to process liquid samples that include cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), such as raw follicular fluid, in an automated and continuous manner to produce oocytes separate or “denuded” from surrounding cumulus cells. The systems include a substrate and a channel that can have two or more sub-channels. Each channel includes an inlet, an outlet, and one or more stages arranged in series. Each of the stages includes one or more expansion units and one or more constriction units. At least one stage includes constriction units having jagged internal surfaces, e.g., teeth, that help remove the cumulus cells from the COCs.

Intravaginal culture (IVC) container for intravaginal fertilization and culture of mammalian, and in particular human, oocytes, featuring an increased volume, and a method of using the same.

Embodiments of the present invention may provide effective processing of materials through phase transitions with a mobile phase transition device which may have a frozen storage area and a thawing area and which can be used to thaw biological materials near a recipient of the materials. A mobile phase transition device may be automated so that the thawing of materials can precisely follow thawing protocols.

The straw comprises a tube (11) and a stopper (12) fixed relative to the tube (11) and comprising a male connector tip (29) configured in order that a syringe needle (44) having a female connector tip (45) with a frusto-conical internal surface in accordance with a standard can be connected to said stopper (12) by engagement of the female connector tip (45) of the needle on the male connector tip (29) of the stopper (12). The injection device comprises such a straw (10) and a syringe needle (44). The method of emptying the straw comprises the step of pushing the dose of liquid-based substance (21) packaged in the straw (10) towards the stopper (12).

A device for artificial insemination, gynaecological examination of the vagina and the cervix, intra-uterine treatments and uterine sample collection in livestock. The device includes: a guiding sleeve having a proximal end for being positioned in the reproductive system of the animal and a distal end for being handled by the user; a gynaecological instrument, such as an insemination gun, an insemination or treatment catheter, or a sample-collection swab, slidingly housed in the guiding sleeve, the instrument being capable of being operated by the user at the rear end thereof, located on the side of the distal end of the guiding sleeve, in order for the front end thereof to lead through an opening located at the proximal end of the guiding sleeve so as to allow the insemination, treatment or sample collection. The guiding sleeve has a blocking element for blocking the sliding of the instrument inside the guiding sleeve.