Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for passive collection of sperm having improved motility from a semen sample. The semen sample is contacted with on side of a porous barrier and a nutrient-containing media is contacted with the other side of the porous barrier. More robust sperm migrate from the semen sample through the porous barrier and are collected in a nutrient-containing media.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and device for determining sex of an embryo utilizing a non-invasive grading of early stage embryos (pre-hatching) based upon specific gravity, density and/or estimated weight. The device comprises a drop chamber having a lumen, capable of assessing characteristics of at least one embryo while descending. The system allows 100% recovery of embryos. A processor is further capable of performing assessment of the embryos. The disclosed system supports a wide variety of scenarios for human and animal reproductive technologies and related products and services.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the improved containment of biological fluids. In particular, a method and apparatus for collection and preservation of fluid samples in accordance with the present invention results in collection of semen having improved viability both at the time of collection and after storage. The disclosed methods and apparatuses methods support a wide variety of applications for containment of biological fluids related to human and veterinary medicine including, but not limited to, human reproductive medicine and animal husbandry.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the improved containment of biological fluids. In particular, a method and apparatus for collection and preservation of fluid samples in accordance with the present invention results in collection of semen having improved viability both at the time of collection and after storage. The disclosed methods and apparatuses methods support a wide variety of applications for containment of biological fluids related to human and veterinary medicine including, but not limited to, human reproductive medicine and animal husbandry.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for determining fecundity of an embryo utilizing a non¬invasive grading of early stage embryos (pre-hatching) based upon specific gravity, density and/or estimated weight. The system allows 100% recovery of embryos and can detect differences in growth potential at the earliest stages of development. The system may further enhance the development of embryos by utilization of microfluidic effects during use. The disclosed system supports a wide variety of scenarios for human and animal reproductive technologies and related products and services.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the improved containment of biological fluids. In particular, a method and apparatus for collection and preservation of fluid samples in accordance with the present invention results in collection of semen having improved viability both at the time of collection and after storage. The disclosed methods and apparatuses methods support a wide variety of applications for containment of biological fluids related to human and veterinary medicine including, but not limited to, human reproductive medicine and animal husbandry.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for determining fecundity of an embryo utilizing a non¬ invasive grading of early stage embryos (pre-hatching) based upon specific gravity, density and/or estimated weight. The system allows 100% recovery of embryos and can detect differences in growth potential at the earliest stages of development. The system may further enhance the development of embryos by utilization of microfluidic effects during use. The disclosed system supports a wide variety of scenarios for human and animal reproductive technologies and related products and services.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and device for determining sex of an embryo utilizing a non-invasive grading of early stage embryos (pre-hatching) based upon specific gravity, density and/or estimated weight. The device comprises a drop chamber having a lumen, capable of assessing characteristics of at least one embryo while descending. The system allows 100% recovery of embryos. A processor is further capable of performing assessment of the embryos. The disclosed system supports a wide variety of scenarios for human and animal reproductive technologies and related products and services.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for determining fecundity of an embryo utilizing a non¬ invasive grading of early stage embryos (pre-hatching) based upon specific gravity, density and/or estimated weight. The system allows 100% recovery of embryos and can detect differences in growth potential at the earliest stages of development. The system may further enhance the development of embryos by utilization of microfluidic effects during use. The disclosed system supports a wide variety of scenarios for human and animal reproductive technologies and related products and services.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus to separate X or Y-chromosome bearing sperm cells in a population by first placing the population of sperm cells at physiological pH environment, and simultaneously contacting the population of sperm cells with one or more additional sub-environments with different pH values. The exposure allows mobile sperm cells bearing X or Y-chromosome to migrate to the different pH sub-environments, wherein each cell only exposed or come in contact with one pH sub-environment. Finally, the collecting X or Y-chromosome enriched population of sperm cells is performed.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus to separate X or Y-chromosome bearing sperm cells in a population by first placing the population of sperm cells at physiological pH environment, and simultaneously contacting the population of sperm cells with one or more additional sub-environments with different pH values. The exposure allows mobile sperm cells bearing X or Y-chromosome to migrate to the different pH sub-environments, wherein each cell only exposed or come in contact with one pH sub-environment. Finally, the collecting X or Y-chromosome enriched population of sperm cells is performed.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus to separate X or Y-chromosome bearing sperm cells in a population by first placing the population of sperm cells at physiological pH environment, and simultaneously contacting the population of sperm cells with one or more additional sub-environments with different pH values. The exposure allows mobile sperm cells bearing X or Y-chromosome to migrate to the different pH sub-environments, wherein each cell only exposed or come in contact with one pH sub-environment. Finally, the collecting X or Y-chromosome enriched population of sperm cells is performed.

Abstract: A method for collecting and preserving semen of various animals including humans, canines, porcines, bovines, ovines and others involves collecting the semen into a collection vessel where the collection vessel is provided with an extender solution for the semen prior to its collection. Moreover, the extended is preferably maintained at a temperature close to normal body temperature of the species being collected over the time period of its collection. The extender is chosen to buffer the pH of the semen sample and to be isotonic with the semen. The volume of the extender in the collection vessel is preferably chosen such that the semen volume is initially diluted with twice its volume extender solution and some period thereafter the extended semen sample is diluted again at the same ratio. Collection into warmed extender media lessened the cold and pH shock to the spermatozoa, as shown by improved semen parameters. The extender solution is preferably rich in calcium ion.

Abstract: This invention is a transportable organ preservation system that substantially increases the time during which the organ can be maintained viable for successful implantation into a recipient. A chilled oxygenated nutrient solution can be pumped through the vascular bed of the organ after excision of the organ from the donor and during transport. The device of the present invention uses flexible permeable tubing to oxygenate the perfusion fluid while the CO2 produced by the organ diffuses out of the perfusion fluid. One pressurized two-liter “C” cylinder can supply oxygen for up to 34 hours of perfusion time. The device can use a simple electric pump driven by a storage battery to circulate the perfusion fluid through the organ being transported. The vessel containing the organ to be transported can be held at a suitable temperature by a chiller.

Abstract: Viable biological material is cryogenically preserved (cryopreservation) by immersing the material in a tank of cooling fluid, and circulating the cooling fluid past the material at a substantially constant predetermined velocity and temperature to freeze the material. The material may either be directly plunged into the cooling fluid without preparation, or chemically prepared prior to freezing. A method according to the present invention freezes the biologic material quickly enough to avoid the formation of ice crystals within cell structures (vitrification) and allows the samples to maintain anatomical structure and remain biochemically active after thaw. The temperature of the cooling fluid is preferably between −20 degrees centigrade and −30 degrees centigrade, which is warm enough to minimize the formation of stress fractures and other artefacts in cell membranes due to thermal changes.

Abstract: Viable biological material is cryogenically preserved (cryopreservation) by immersing the material in a tank of cooling fluid, and circulating the cooling fluid past the material at a substantially constant predetermined velocity and temperature to freeze the material. The material may either be directly plunged into the cooling fluid without preparation, or chemically prepared prior to freezing. A method according to the present invention freezes the biologic material quickly enough to avoid the formation of ice crystals within cell structures (vitrification) and allows the samples to maintain anatomical structure and remain biochemically active after thaw. The temperature of the cooling fluid is preferably between −20 degrees centigrade and −30 degrees centigrade, which is warm enough to minimize the formation of stress fractures and other artefacts in cell membranes due to thermal changes.

Abstract: Viable biological material is cryogenically preserved (cryopreservation) by chemically preparing the material for freezing, immersing the material in a tank of cooling fluid, and circulating the cooling fluid past the material at a substantially constant predetermined velocity and temperature to freeze the material. A method according to the present invention freezes the biologic material quickly enough to avoid the formation of ice crystals within cell structures (vitrification). The temperature of the cooling fluid is preferably between −20° C. and −30° C., which is warm enough to minimize the formation of stress fractures in cell membranes due to thermal changes. Cells frozen using a method according to the present invention have been shown to have approximately an 80 percent survival rate, which is significantly higher than other cryopreservation methods.

Abstract: A method of preparing biological materials for cryopreservation is presented. The method lessens the amount of heat released by a cryoprotectant during a latent heat phase by freezing the protectant, thawing the protectant, and treating biologically active materials with the thawed protectant. First, the protectant is frozen to induce an irreversible phase change, along with an irreversible release of energy. After this phase change has occurred, the protectant is thawed and used to treat viable cells or other biologically active material about to undergo freezing. The thawed protectant within the biologically active cells has a reduced endothermic reaction upon subsequent freezing.

Abstract: Viable biological material is cryogenically preserved (cryopreservation) by preparing the material for freezing, immersing the material in a tank of cooling fluid, and circulating the cooling fluid past the material at a substantially constant predetermined velocity and temperature to freeze the material. A method according to the present invention freezes the biologic material quickly enough to avoid the formation of ice crystals within cell structures (vitrification). The temperature of the cooling fluid is preferably between −20° C. and −30° C., which is warm enough to minimize the formation of stress fractures in cell membranes due to thermal changes. Cells frozen using a method according to the present invention have been shown to have approximately an 80 percent survival rate, which is significantly higher than other cryopreservation methods.

Abstract: Viable biological material is cryogenically preserved (cryopreservation) by immersing the material in a tank of cooling fluid, and circulating the cooling fluid past the material at a substantially constant predetermined velocity and temperature to freeze the material. The material may either be directly plunged into the cooling fluid without preparation, or chemically prepared prior to freezing. A method according to the present invention freezes the biologic material quickly enough to avoid the formation of ice crystals within cell structures (vitrification) and allows the samples to maintain anatomical structure and remain biochemically active after thaw. The temperature of the cooling fluid is preferably between −20 degrees centigrade and−30 degrees centigrade, which is warm enough to minimize the formation of stress fractures and other artefacts in cell membranes due to thermal changes.