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.