Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology – Apparatus – Bioreactor
Patent
1995-08-08
1997-11-11
Beisner, William H.
Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology
Apparatus
Bioreactor
4352885, 4353081, 422102, C12M 122
Patent
active
056863020
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a device for obtaining sperm cells from seminal fluid, with a first container for accepting the seminal fluid and a second container for accepting the sperm cells separated from the seminal fluid, whereby both containers are interconnected when the seminal fluid is covered with a nutrient solution.
For artificial insemination, sperm cells are usually separated out of seminal fluid before they are brought into contact with an egg cell in vitro or in utero. Through this separation step, the sperm cells can be damaged.
A device for in vitro fertilization with a container for the egg cells and a container for the seminal fluid has already been proposed, whereby the containers are interconnected when egg cells and seminal fluid are covered with nutrient fluid. The problem with this practically untested device is that the fluid bridge between the two containers is formed simply by a part of the nutrient fluid which extends over an upper edge of an inner of the containers (which accepts egg cells). Especially when such container is moved, e.g., when being put under a microscope, the nutrient fluid splashes between the parts of the container so that the movement of the sperm do not determine, but rather outside influences determine, which of the sperm cells lead to insemination. Multiple insemination cannot be eliminated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention aspires to approximate natural behaviors as much as possible. While avoiding damaging separation steps, such as centrifuging, preferably the most mobile sperm should be admitted for insemination.
In accordance with the invention, a fluid bridge is provided between the containers, the cross-section of which is limited by solid walls.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a prior art device; and
FIGS. 2-5 are similar views illustrating various embodiments of the device of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A known device in accordance with FIG. 1 comprises a container 2 for accepting seminal fluid 8, in which a container 1 for accepting separated sperm cells is arranged. If one covers the seminal fluid 8 with nutrient solution 9, then the individual sperm cells reach the nutrient solution. The transport of the sperm cells to an egg cell 7 does not take place, however, through the movement of the sperm cells, but also through the macroscopic flow of the nutrient solution.
In accordance with the invention, containers 1 and 2 are connected with one another only by a conduit, in which no significant flow takes place. The conduit is defined by solid walls that are spaced, e.g., by a distance of between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. A bridge piece which is hollow inside can be used between the two containers 1 and 2 as the conduit, particularly designed as small capillary pipes in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2. The nutrient solution 9 in container 1 is filled here to the level until the entire small pipe 3 is filled by capillary action. If one then increases the level of the nutrient solution in the container 2, then individual sperm can move through the small pipe 3, and no movement of the nutrient solution as such takes place between the two containers.
A particularly suitable construction of the capillary conduit is shown in FIG. 3. The two containers 1 and 2 are arranged concentrically inside one another. Nutrient fluid 9 is filled in the container 1, and seminal fluid 8 is placed in the container 2. Then a U-shaped bridge piece or member 4 is placed on the container 1 overlapping an upper edge of the container 1 defined by a wall thereof. The nutrient fluid climbs upward in a gap between the bridge member 4 and the container 1 due to capillary action and slowly covers the seminal fluid 8 until the fluid levels in the containers 1 and 2 have achieved the same height.
The depic
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