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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #364967

Research Project: Biophotonics - The Application of Novel Imaging Methodologies to Livestock Production Research

Location: Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit

Title: Treatment of boar sperm with nanoparticles for improved fertility

Author
item FEUGANG, JEAN - Mississippi State University
item RHOADS, CARLEY - Mississippi State University
item MUSTAPHA, POPOOLA - National Biotechnology Development Agency, Nabda/fmst
item PARRISH, JOHN - University Of Wisconsin
item WILLARD, SCOTT - Mississippi State University
item RYAN, PETER - Mississippi State University

Submitted to: Theriogenology
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/2/2019
Publication Date: 5/31/2019
Citation: Feugang, J., Rhoads, C., Mustapha, P., Parrish, J., Willard, S., Ryan, P. 2019. Treatment of boar sperm with nanoparticles for improved fertility. Theriogenology. 137:75-81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.040.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.040

Interpretive Summary: The current progress in nanoscience and nanotechnology has allowed for their applications in biology. Most interestingly, the advances in molecular biology and the potential for biomarker discovery permit novel combinations with nanotechnology tools. Nanobiotechnology, the resulting field of science, has great potential for further enhancement of fertility in livestock. Here, we reviewed the efficacy of available techniques and emerging tools of nanotechnology that might be useful for further selection of high quality boar spermatozoa and productivity improvement.

Technical Abstract: Continuous progress in nanoscience has allowed the synthesis of various nanoscale particles, known as nanoparticles or nanomaterials which, by harnessing unique physico-chemical properties, are crucial for multiple bio-applications. Despite the revealed toxicity (nanotoxicity) of nanoparticles in various in vitro and in vivo studies, their careful design for biocompatibility and effective interactions with single-celled and multi-cellular organisms has permitted their use in several fields of research and biomedicine. The various nanoparticles synthesized and applied in the veterinary sciences, including reproductive biology, have shown potential to influence routine practices in animal production systems. These include post-collection manipulation of semen and the protection of high-quality spermatozoa to extend their preservation, and to improve sperm-related biotechnologies such as sperm-mediated gene transfer, sperm sorting, sex-sorting, and cryopreservation. Therefore, the application of nanotechnology-based tools to semen may enhance assisted reproductive technologies for biomedical applications and improve economic productivity for farmers.