nl5b04221_si_006.avi (7.44 MB)
Cellular Cargo Delivery: Toward Assisted Fertilization by Sperm-Carrying Micromotors
media
posted on 2016-01-13, 00:00 authored by Mariana Medina-Sánchez, Lukas Schwarz, Anne K. Meyer, Franziska Hebenstreit, Oliver G. SchmidtWe present artificially motorized
sperm cellsa novel type of hybrid micromotor, where customized
microhelices serve as motors for transporting sperm cells with motion
deficiencies to help them carry out their natural function. Our results
indicate that metal-coated polymer microhelices are suitable for this
task due to potent, controllable, and nonharmful 3D motion behavior.
We manage to capture, transport, and release single immotile live
sperm cells in fluidic channels that allow mimicking physiological
conditions. Important steps toward fertilization are addressed by
employing proper means of sperm selection and oocyte culturing. Despite
the fact that there still remain some challenges on the way to achieve
successful fertilization with artificially motorized sperms, we believe
that the potential of this novel approach toward assisted reproduction
can be already put into perspective with the present work.