Open-Channel Droplet Microfluidic Platform for Passive Generation of Human Sperm Microdroplets

Sperm
cryopreservation is important for many individuals across
the globe. Recent studies show that vitrification is a valuable approach
for maintaining sperm quality after freeze–thawing processes
and requires sub-microliter to microliter volumes. A major challenge
for the adoption of vitrification in fertility laboratories is the
ability to pipet small volumes of sample. Here, we present an open
droplet generator that leverages open-channel microfluidics to passively
generate sub-microliter to microliter volumes of purified human sperm
samples and preserves sperm kinematics. We conclude that our platform
is compatible with human sperm, an important foundation for future
implementation of vitrification in fertility laboratories.