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Size-Dependent Inhibition of Sperm Motility by Copper Particles as a Path toward Male Contraception

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 timedependent in vitro inhibition of bovine spermatozoa by copper microparticles are studied. The effectivity in inhibiting sperm motility is correlated with the amount of Cu²⁺ 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.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:DRESDEN/oai:qucosa:de:qucosa:89214
Date05 March 2024
CreatorsChattopadhyay, Purnesh, Magdanz, Veronika, Hernández-Meliá, María, Borchert, Konstantin B. L., Schwarz, Dana, Simmchen, Juliane
PublisherWiley-VCH
Source SetsHochschulschriftenserver (HSSS) der SLUB Dresden
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typeinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion, doc-type:article, info:eu-repo/semantics/article, doc-type:Text
Rightsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
Relation2699-9307, 2100152, 10.1002/anbr.202100152, info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/Volkswagen Stiftung/Freigeist-Stipendium/91619/, info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/European Union/Horizon2020/LCF/BQ/PI21/11830003//Marie Skłodowska- Curie

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