A complementary paper microfluidics and sample preservation approach for on-site and in-lab assessment of semen quality

We propose to the develop a process whereby a semen sample can be initially assessed for sperm motility on-site
followed by preservation of the remaining sample for transfer to a lab for quantitative sperm quality analyses. A
microfluidic device using paper will be developed for the on-site motility test, whereby the device shows a colorimetric
signal visible to the eye correlating to the percentage of motile sperm from a few drops of semen. For the remaining
sample, a preservation method will be characterized focusing on the idea of drying the sample within a material (paper
or gel) on-site and subsequent rehydration of the dried sample, degradation of the material, and recovery of the sperm
in-lab. This approach can allow for longer term preservation (> 2 days) and safer transfer to the lab. The proposal can
enable a more accurate and available approach for semen analysis.

Faculty Supervisor:

David Sinton

Student:

Partner:

FlowLabs

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Toronto

Program: