Texas Tech University System

Supachill Technologies Pty. Ltd.

Rsi Technology Group, LLC

Supachill International Pty. Ltd.

Samuel D Prien

Lindsay L Penrose

Allan J Cassell

Brian Wood

John Blanton

Markus F Miller

Kevin R Pond

Diana M Peninger

Dustie L Johnson

Cara E Wessels

Disclosed is a system and device for determining sex of an embryo utilizing a non-invasive grading of early stage embryos (pre-hatching) based upon specific gravity, density and/or estimated weight. The device comprises a drop chamber having a lumen, capable of assessing characteristics of at least one embryo while descending. The system allows 100% recovery of embryos. A processor is further capable of performing assessment of the embryos. The disclosed system supports a wide variety of scenarios for human and animal reproductive technologies and related products and services.

System and method for non-invasive embryo sexing

The present invention relates in general to the improved containment of biological fluids. In particular, a method and apparatus for collection and preservation of fluid samples in accordance with the present invention results in collection of semen having improved viability both at the time of collection and after storage. The disclosed methods and apparatuses methods support a wide variety of applications for containment of biological fluids related to human and veterinary medicine including, but not limited to, human reproductive medicine and animal husbandry.

Method and apparatus for collection of fluid samples

Disclosed is a system for determining fecundity of an embryo utilizing a non&#xac; invasive grading of early stage embryos (pre-hatching) based upon specific gravity, density and/or estimated weight. The system allows 100% recovery of embryos and can detect differences in growth potential at the earliest stages of development. The system may further enhance the development of embryos by utilization of microfluidic effects during use. The disclosed system supports a wide variety of scenarios for human and animal reproductive technologies and related products and services.

System and method for assessing embryo viability

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.

Method and apparatus for gender selection based on pH

A method for collecting and preserving semen of various animals including humans, canines, porcines, bovines, ovines and others involves collecting the semen into a collection vessel where the collection vessel is provided with an extender solution for the semen prior to its collection. Moreover, the extended is preferably maintained at a temperature close to normal body temperature of the species being collected over the time period of its collection. The extender is chosen to buffer the pH of the semen sample and to be isotonic with the semen. The volume of the extender in the collection vessel is preferably chosen such that the semen volume is initially diluted with twice its volume extender solution and some period thereafter the extended semen sample is diluted again at the same ratio. Collection into warmed extender media lessened the cold and pH shock to the spermatozoa, as shown by improved semen parameters. The extender solution is preferably rich in calcium ion. A collection vessel resembling an inverted Y is used for collecting distinct semen samples for comparative study.

Method for collecting and preserving semen

Viable biological material is cryogenically preserved (cryopreservation) by immersing the material in a tank of cooling fluid, and circulating the cooling fluid past the material at a substantially constant predetermined velocity and temperature to freeze the material. The material may either be directly plunged into the cooling fluid without preparation, or chemically prepared prior to freezing. A method according to the present invention freezes the biologic material quickly enough to avoid the formation of ice crystals within cell structures (vitrification) and allows the samples to maintain anatomical structure and remain biochemically active after thaw. The temperature of the cooling fluid is preferably between &minus;20 degrees centigrade and &minus;30 degrees centigrade, which is warm enough to minimize the formation of stress fractures and other artefacts in cell membranes due to thermal changes. Cells frozen using a method according to the present invention have been shown to have a significantly less cellular and intercellular damage than cells frozen by other cryopreservation methods used for pathological and histological techniques. Because the present invention can freeze biological material such that the material is vitrified, biochemical activity within the cell is not lost after freezing and thus various embodiments of the present method may be employed in a system to prepare biological material for the newer techniques of cryopathology and immunohistochemistry in the areas of research and patient care.

Method and system for preparing tissue samples for histological and pathological examination

Viable biological material is cryogenically preserved (cryopreservation) by preparing the material for freezing, immersing the material in a tank of cooling fluid, and circulating the cooling fluid past the material at a substantially constant predetermined velocity and temperature to freeze the material. A method according to the present invention freezes the biologic material quickly enough to avoid the formation of ice crystals within cell structures (vitrification). The temperature of the cooling fluid is preferably between &minus;20&deg; C. and &minus;30&deg; C., which is warm enough to minimize the formation of stress fractures in cell membranes due to thermal changes. Cells frozen using a method according to the present invention have been shown to have approximately an 80 percent survival rate, which is significantly higher than other cryopreservation methods.

Growing community of inventors

Shallowater, TX, United States of America

Samuel D Prien