A novel rat sperm cryopreservation and artificial insemination system

Summary ParaTechs Corporation aims to provide researchers with advanced technology and methods to simplify procedures for laboratory animal models. This proposal is a direct response to PAR-21-225; Novel Tools and Devices for Animal Research Facilities and to Support the Care of Animal Models. The goal is to improve vivarium management through cryopreservation, strategic breeding, and organizational approaches currently unavailable for rats. The rat artificial insemination system (RAIS) is a complete rat sperm cryorecovery system. This system will revolutionize cryopreservation practices and vivarium management for rat models. First, sperm is cryopreserved in a “Cryodropper” device, which will quickly and easily freeze rat sperm. Second, sperm is recovered in a novel motility enhancing device (MED) which selects for motile sperm, removes cryoprotectants, and concentrates the sperm sample. The third part of the system is a novel device, which is used to transfer concentrated motile sperm to the uterine horn of recipient female rats. This non-surgical insemination device (NSID) provides a non-surgical alternative to traditional surgical artificial insemination and requires no anesthesia or analgesia. Each innovative part of the system provides a critical function for rat cryorecovery and together provide a cohesive system for rapid, inexpensive, and efficient vivarium management. Feasibility of the RAIS will be proven in the following Aims; 1) optimize the Cryodropper for rat sperm cryopreservation, 2) manufacture and test the MED for motile sperm enrichment and recovery, and 3) manufacture and test the rat NSID device with fresh and cryopreserved sperm. The system will provide substantial cost savings versus contracted cryopreservation services and increase the simplicity and reliability of rat sperm cryopreservation procedures. RAIS will directly benefit the welfare of laboratory animals by reducing the number of animals kept in idle colonies, improving vivarium management options, and protecting rat models from catastrophic loss due to natural disasters, genetic drift, disease, and breeding problems. RAIS is designed to provide both a reduction in animal numbers and a refinement to minimize animal suffering and improve welfare; meeting the requirements of the 3Rs of animal research.