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MicroFluidic based platform for SeMen Analysis

Project description

A device for the automatic analysis of semen

The EU-funded MicroFSMA project is developing an efficient, automated method for semen analysis and the isolation of quality sperm for in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The device will fill in a technological gap in the fertility sector and improve the detection of male infertility. It consists of three microfluidic chips and generates a thermal and chemical gradient to resemble the physical environment of the female reproductive tract. Responsive sperm cells are monitored through a computer that creates successive time-lapse images. Analysis of the flagella movement and the overall sperm trajectory towards the environmental cues will provide important information on sperm kinetics and hence fertility.

Objective

MicroFSMA aims to deliver an assay for semen analysis and isolation of quality sperm for in-vitro fertilization (IVF). An automated, user-friendly, standardized, and efficient method is highly in demand from embryologists/andrologists. MicroFSMA consists three microfluidic chips integrated with a commercial computer program. Microfluidics chips will be designed to replicate in-vivo physical and chemical environment of a female reproductive tract. The thermal and chemical gradient will be generated in microchannels to identify responsive sperm cells.
Additionally, a computer program will facilitate multi-sperm head and flagella tracking for the recorded time-lapse image sequence. Tracking algorithm will connect the positions of sperm cells in recorded successive images. The continuous wavelet analysis (CWT) /harmonic analysis of the flagellar wave and head trajectory will assist to identify the responsive sperm cell towards the chemical/physical cues. We are convinced that the correlation of sperm kinematics with harmonics/wavelet analysis will reveal potential parameters for male infertility screening.
The successful employment of MicroFSMA in an industrial atmosphere will improve the experienced researcher (ER) knowledge of industrial R&D and market strategy. These unconventional skills will ensure the complete exploitation of MicroFSMA results by starting the small-medium enterprise(SME)/academic joint research schemes.

Coordinator

CHERRY BIOTECH
Net EU contribution
€ 196 707,84
Address
2EME ETAGE, HALLS A-B ET C14 RUE DE LA BEAUNE
93100 Montreuil
France

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Seine-Saint-Denis
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
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Total cost
€ 196 707,84