Method and Apparatus for Gender Selection Based on pH
AssigneeTexas Tech University System
InventorsSamuel D. Prien, Lindsay L. Penrose
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention includes methods and apparatus to separate X or Y-chromosome bearing sperm cells in a population by first placing the population of sperm cells at physiological pH environment, and simultaneously contacting the population of sperm cells with one or more additional sub-environments with different pH values. The exposure allows mobile sperm cells bearing X or Y-chromosome to migrate to the different pH sub-environments, wherein each cell only exposed or come in contact with one pH sub-environment. Finally, the collecting X or Y-chromosome enriched population of sperm cells is performed.
Claims20
A method for separating X or Y-chromosome bearing sperm cells in a population, comprising the steps of:
- placing the population of sperm cells at physiological pH environment within a biocompatible mesh vessel;
- simultaneously contacting the population of sperm cells with two or more additional sub-environments with different pH values;
- allowing mobile sperm cells bearing X or Y-chromosome to migrate to the different pH sub-environments, wherein migration based upon pH separates cells by chromosome content, resulting in enhanced populations of X and Y bearing sperm;
- and
- collecting X or Y-chromosome enriched population of sperm cells from the different pH sub-environment.
An apparatus for increasing the proportion of X or Y-chromosome bearing sperm cells in a population comprising:
- one or more containers, wherein the container comprises at least one main chamber;
- and
- two or more sub-chambers adjacent the main chamber, wherein the main chamber and sub-chambers are separated by a biocompatible mesh material, wherein the vessels are adapted to receive fluids comprising two or more separate pHs and the openings in the mesh permit the passage of sperm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.