Analysis of Sperm Cell Kinetics in Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluid Medium Within a Microfluidic Channel

The success of the internal fertilization process results from the successful migration of sperm through the female reproductive tract. During the course of motion, sperm must overcome the obstacles and chemical changes that occur in their path towards the oocyte. Herein, we conducted an experimental and simulation study of sperm in different fluid medium, whose rheological properties mimic the actual environment of the female reproductive tract. In this work, two surrounding mediums of sperm are prepared by diluting Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Methylcellulose (MC) in Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). They exhibit Newtonian and Non-Newtonian behaviour, respectively. Sperm motility and kinetic parameters such as velocity, beat frequency, forces, power and swimming efficiency are calculated. The results indicate that sperm possesses high straight-line velocity, curvilinear velocity and beat frequency in MC 2% Non-Newtonian fluid. The Drag force, power output, the power required for sperm motion and sperm swimming efficiency are high in Non-Newtonian fluid compared to the Newtonian fluid of the same viscosity range.