精子追踪与回收(STAR)系统
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《柳叶刀》:世界首例!AI 助力不孕不育夫妇成功怀孕,20年求子路终见曙光
生物世界· 2025-11-02 09:17
Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a groundbreaking study that introduces an AI-based microfluidic sperm detection and recovery system, named STAR, which successfully enabled clinical pregnancy in a male diagnosed with azoospermia, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of male infertility [3][4][8]. Group 1: Technology and Methodology - The STAR system utilizes high-power imaging technology to scan semen samples from azoospermic males, capable of capturing and analyzing millions of images in under an hour [4]. - The system combines high-speed imaging, microfluidic chips, and deep learning algorithms, processing semen at a flow rate of 400μL per hour and capturing images at 300 frames per second [4]. - A time-consistency filter enhances reliability by confirming sperm detection only if at least three out of ten consecutive frames identify sperm [4]. Group 2: Clinical Application and Results - The STAR system was applied to a couple who had been trying to conceive for nearly 20 years, with the male having undergone multiple sperm retrieval attempts with no success [7]. - Initial manual searches of the male's semen sample showed no sperm, but the STAR system identified 7 sperm (2 active) from 2.5 million images scanned [8]. - The two active sperm were successfully injected into two mature eggs, resulting in a positive pregnancy after 19 years of attempts, demonstrating the potential of AI-guided microfluidic technology in overcoming long-standing barriers in male infertility [8]. Group 3: Implications and Future Research - This breakthrough signifies a potential shift from "no hope" to "hope for parenthood" for many couples facing male infertility challenges [8]. - The research team is planning larger clinical studies to evaluate the reproducibility and effectiveness of the STAR system across a broader patient population [8].