Abstract: A device for selecting sperm includes a stack of a plurality of layers of a material. The stack has an inlet end and an outlet end. Each layer of the material includes a plurality of sperm selection microchannels. Each sperm selection microchannel has a respective microchannel inlet at the inlet end of the stack and extends to a respective microchannel outlet at the outlet end of the stack.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic device with a confined geometry for isolating a slither-capable subpopulation of sperm which is of higher quality than the raw sperm population. The proposed device isolates slither-capable sperm based on their ability to enter and traverse a confined region where 3D locomotion is restricted. The DNA integrity of the selected sperm was higher than that of the corresponding raw samples by 55% and 122% for donors and patients, respectively. In side-by-side testing this method outperforms current clinical selection methods, density gradient centrifugation and swim-up, as well as sperm selected via general motility. Slithering represents a viable selection mechanism, readily applicable to clinical workflows with the potential to improve outcomes for couples and offspring.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining a material characteristic of a sample material are disclosed. A sample material is loaded to a plurality of cells. An interference material is disposed relative to the sample material such that the interference material at least retards the transport of the sample material from a one of the cells to at least another one of the cells. For each one of the cells, independently: a stimulus is applied to the sample material in the cell such that a conditioned sample material is obtained; and a material characteristic of the conditioned sample material is sensed.