A method and composition for enhancing sperm motility, longevity, and HIV suppression in reproductive technologies

Background

Male infertility is a significant concern worldwide, with sperm motility being one of the most critical factors influencing successful fertilization in both natural conception and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). Sperm motility refers to the ability of sperm to move efficiently, which is essential for traversing the female reproductive tract and penetrating the egg. Various environmental and lifestyle factors—including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, psychological stress, and exposure to heat—can negatively impact sperm motility, leading to reduced fertility or outright infertility. As the prevalence of male infertility rises and the demand for ART grows, there is an increasing need for effective solutions that can enhance sperm motility and improve fertility outcomes for affected individuals and couples.

Current approaches to improving sperm motility and viability face several limitations. Standard sperm preparation techniques, such as washing and centrifugation in specialized media, can remove non-motile sperm and seminal plasma but do not actively enhance the motility or longevity of the sperm themselves. Cryopreservation, a common method for storing sperm for later use, often results in significant loss of motility and viability after thawing, reducing the chances of successful fertilization. Additionally, concerns about the transmission of infectious agents, such as HIV, during insemination or IVF procedures present further challenges, as existing methods for viral suppression may compromise sperm health or are not fully effective. These shortcomings highlight the need for new technologies that can simultaneously improve sperm motility, increase post-thaw survival, and reduce the risk of disease transmission without adversely affecting sperm function.

Technology

This technology leverages hydroxyurea (HU) to enhance the motility, longevity, and overall fertility potential of sperm for both human and animal applications. By incubating sperm with hydroxyurea at carefully controlled concentrations (typically 0.1 to 250 μg/mL, preferably 10 to 25 μg/mL) in suitable buffers such as human tubal fluid (HTF) or modified HTF medium, the process induces hyperactive motility—a critical factor for successful fertilization. The treatment can be seamlessly integrated into standard sperm washing protocols, combining the removal of seminal plasma and non-motile sperm with motility enhancement in a single step. Furthermore, hydroxyurea is incorporated into cryopreservation protocols, resulting in improved post-thaw sperm motility and survival. Notably, hydroxyurea also suppresses HIV replication in semen by depleting deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates, thereby reducing the risk of HIV transmission during insemination or IVF without significantly compromising sperm motility or viability.

This solution is differentiated by its multifaceted approach to improving fertility outcomes. Unlike traditional motility enhancers, hydroxyurea not only boosts hyperactive motility essential for fertilization but also extends sperm longevity and enhances survival after cryopreservation—addressing key challenges in both natural and assisted reproductive technologies. Its unique antiviral action further sets it apart, as it enables the safe use of sperm from HIV-positive donors by significantly reducing viral transmission risk without detrimental effects on sperm function. The technology’s versatility is underscored by its applicability to both human and animal sperm, its compatibility with existing laboratory protocols, and its inclusion in ready-to-use compositions and kits. Experimental evidence demonstrates that hydroxyurea-treated sperm consistently outperform controls in motility, longevity, and post-thaw viability, making this a comprehensive and innovative solution for fertility enhancement and reproductive safety.

Benefits

• Enhances sperm motility by inducing hyperactive motility essential for fertilization
• Increases sperm longevity, allowing longer storage while maintaining fertilization capability
• Improves post-thaw sperm motility and survival in cryopreservation protocols
• Suppresses HIV replication in semen, reducing risk of HIV transmission during insemination or IVF
• Compatible with sperm washing and standard assisted reproductive technology procedures
• Effective at concentrations that do not significantly compromise sperm viability or motility
• Applicable to both human and animal sperm for fertility enhancement

Applications

• IVF sperm motility enhancement
• HIV-safe insemination procedures
• Improved sperm cryopreservation
• Veterinary artificial insemination

Additional info

A process applies hydroxyurea (0.1-250 μg/mL) to human or animal sperm in buffers like HTF for 1 minute to 24 hours. This treatment enhances sperm hyperactive motility and longevity, significantly improving post-thaw survival after cryopreservation. Additionally, it suppresses HIV replication in semen by depleting deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates, thereby reducing transmission risk during assisted reproduction without compromising sperm viability.