A "Hole" New Method for Sperm Storage

Description

2019 Fifth Place, Northwestern Scientific Images Contest. Cancer treatments, while life preserving, can threaten fertility. Fertility preservation can be challenging in males with conditions of extremely low germ cell numbers or in those who have undergone testicular or epididymal biopsy where there may be limited numbers of immature germ cells. A significant clinical hurdle is the storage and recovery of small numbers of sperm. We engineered an oocyte-derived biomaterial the zona pellucida (ZP) to function as a sperm safe for storing sperm. The ZP is a glycoprotein matrix that surrounds the mammalian oocyte. Using a piezo drill, we made a small hole in the ZP and mechanically separated it from the oocyte cytoplasm and then further removed cellular material using a decellularization process. This images shows two deceullarized sperm safes imaged by scanning electron microscopy. The holes in which sperm are deposited within the sperm safes are clearly visible.

Abstract

This image originally appeared as part of Northwestern Scientific Images Contest. The contest and subsequent exhibitions are organized by Science in Society, the University's research center for science education and public engagement. Further information and opportunities to participate are available on their website.

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