(Scanned from the applicant's description): Cryopreserved human sperm are essential for important therapies. With standard procedures, post-thaw quality of samples from many/most patients (donors are highly selected) is unacceptable, 40 percent of the sperm are damaged, and pregnancy rate is low. Biology to improve outcome is available, but unused because of limited efforts to adapt knowledge to an approach practical in a clinical setting. This project is focused on that goal and will use containers with """"""""gated-pore"""""""" faces and a """"""""rapid cryoprotectant removal device"""""""" (RCRD) to eliminate post-thaw damage to human sperm resulting from rapid movement of water into the cells. Their use allows cryopreservation of sperm within a sealed container, and post-thaw opening of the gated pores and, at a rate safe for the sperm, replacement of cryo-extender with a buffer appropriate for intrauterine insemination (IUI) and not irritating to tissues--automatically and safely (for sperm and operator) without dilution or removal of sperm from the container until IUI. Phase-I demonstrated feasibility. Phase-II objectives are: (1) refine the CryoCell container and RCRD to meet standards needed for clinical trials and optimize thaw rate; (2) compare results with the new technology and standard procedures; and (3) evolve and validate procedures appropriate for clinical trials.

Proposed Commercial Applications

NOT AVAILABLE

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
5R44HD034327-03
Application #
6526314
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BCE (10))
Program Officer
Tasca, Richard J
Project Start
1997-09-30
Project End
2003-04-30
Budget Start
2002-08-01
Budget End
2003-04-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$10,101
Indirect Cost
Name
Biopore, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State College
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
16803
Hammerstedt, Roy H; Blach, Edward L (2008) Commercialization of basic research from within the university and return of value to the public. Anim Reprod Sci 105:158-78