OpenCASA

OpenCASA analyzes sperm motility, morphometry, membrane integrity (viability), and guided movement responses (chemotaxis, thermotaxis, rheotaxis) to quantify sperm quality for research in assisted reproductive techniques.

Key Features:

• Motility analysis: Evaluates sperm motility and kinetic parameters using a dedicated motility module.
• Morphometry: Measures sperm morphometric parameters for structural assessment.
• Membrane integrity (viability): Assesses sperm membrane integrity to determine viability.
• Guided movement analysis: Quantifies spermatozoa responses to chemotaxis, thermotaxis, and rheotaxis.
• Interactions with motile cells: Analyzes interactions between spermatozoa and other motile cells, including bacteria.
• Scalable modular architecture: Supports integration of multiple analysis modules within a single platform.
• Validation: Includes validation using simulated sperm populations for the chemotaxis module and comparison with established systems.
• Statistical comparison: Employs Pearson's correlation and Bland-Altman tests for method comparison and agreement assessment.

Scientific Applications:

• Assisted reproductive techniques (ART): Quantitative assessment of sperm quality parameters relevant to ART.
• Sperm guidance research: Experimental analysis of chemotaxis, thermotaxis, and rheotaxis mechanisms in spermatozoa.
• Host–microbe interaction studies: Investigation of sperm interactions with motile bacteria and other cells.
• Comparative method validation: Benchmarking CASA measurements against established sperm analysis systems.
• Animal reproductive research: Application to ejaculate analysis in species-level studies, exemplified by ovine (ram) samples.

Methodology:

Validation employed simulated sperm populations for the chemotaxis module and analysis of 36 ejaculates from 12 fertile rams for motility, membrane integrity, and morphology modules, with comparisons performed using Pearson's correlation and Bland-Altman tests.