Open AccessSize‐Dependent Inhibition of Sperm Motility by Copper Particles as a Path toward Male Contraception
Author(s) -
Chattopadhyay Purnesh,
Magdanz Veronika,
Hernández-Meliá María,
Borchert Konstantin B. L.,
Schwarz Dana,
Simmchen Juliane
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
advanced nanobiomed research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2699-9307
DOI - 10.1002/anbr.202100152
Subject(s) - sperm , spermicide , motility , male contraceptive , sperm motility , andrology , copper , incubation , population , family planning , medicine , gynecology , chemistry , physiology , biology , research methodology , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , environmental health , organic chemistry
Effective inhibition of sperm motility using a spermicide can be a promising approach in developing non‐invasive male contraceptive agents. Copper is known to have contraceptive properties and has been used clinically for decades as intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) for contraception in females. Beyond that, the spermicidal use of copper is not explored much further, even though its use can also subdue the harmful effects caused by the hormonal female contraceptive agents on the environment. Herein, the size, concentration, and time‐dependent in vitro inhibition of bovine spermatozoa by copper microparticles are studied. The effectivity in inhibiting sperm motility is correlated with the amount of Cu 2+ ions released by the particles during incubation. The copper particles cause direct suppression of sperm motility and viability upon incubation and thereby show potential as sperm‐inhibiting, hormone‐free candidate for male contraception. In addition, biocompatibility tests using a cervical cell line help optimizing the size and concentration of the copper particles for the best spermicidal action while avoiding toxicity to the surrounding tissue.