Method for Collection, Storage, and Activation of Immotile Sperm

Technology ID: 98KUMC165 

Non-confidential Description:  Researchers at the University of Kansas Medical Center have developed a method that increases the longevity of sperm for a number of species.  This technique collects the sperm in a storage buffer solution, which inhibits their motility by over 90%.  Following storage and transportation and just prior to insemination, the sperm are reactivated to their normal motility by addition of an activation buffer.  The procedure was originally developed through a NASA grant to extend the viability of sperm, designed to allow experiments to be performed in space from sperm obtained prior to shuttle take-off.  Preliminary experiments using toms and stallions have been successful and it is likely that this technique can be adopted to increase the longevity of sperm for a wide variety of species.

Patent: # 6,309,815 issued 10/30/2001 .  Available at http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html

Specific Market: Artificial insemination, large scale/selective animal breeding, wild life preservation 

Market Size:  Unknown

State of the Art:  Artificial insemination is a commonly used breading technique for a variety of animals, including cattle, turkeys, horses, and pigs.  With cattle, a bull's sperm can easily be retrieved and frozen for an extended period of time with minimal loss of viability or fertility.  However, similar methods have proven to be far less successful for a number of other animals.  For example, in the turkey, toms must be raised in the vicinity of hens because their sperm cannot be frozen, and it only remains functional for several hours.  Likewise, sperm from boars and stallions have relatively limited viability, even with the use of “extenders.”

Benefits: The main advantages of this technology include:

• Storage (and shipment) of sperm at above freezing temperature
• Reduced risk of sperm contamination prior to storage
• Enabling the activation of immotile sperm without the use of exogenous metabolic  inhibitors, antioxidants or detergents

Technical Obstacles:  Needs optimization

Confidential Disclosure Agreement: KUMC is willing to enter into a CDA for the purpose of negotiating a License Agreement.  If you are interested in learning details of this invention, please contact the Technology Transfer Office at 913-588-5721.