MicroBeaCh · Microfluidic Platform for Analyzing Sperm Flagellar Beating in a Chemical Gradient

MicroBeaCh aims to exploit the biomimetic approach to unravel harmonized spermatozoa beating that favors natural fertilization. Biochemical stimuli in follicular fluid (FF) are pivotal in guiding sperm cells for their traversal through the cumulus-oocyte complex. FF contains peptides, proteins, steroid hormones, polysaccharides, metabolites, antioxidants, and reactive oxygen species. Despite some preliminary investigations and the potential advantages afforded by microfluidics approaches, a noticeable dearth exists in the unraveling mechanism of spermatozoa beating. MicroBeaCh intends to explore the fundamental beating contributions in sperm cell migration. This will be the first study exploiting computer vision and artificial intelligence approaches to obtain the natural beating behaviors of sperm cells. We believe that the successful accomplishment of MicroBeaCh will establish the foundation of novel parameters for quality sperm selection in application to assisted reproduction, where identifying specific beating patterns will advance the outcomes of the practices.