Straightforwardly Developed Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (Sers) Biosensors Could Detect Mice Sperms in Low Concentrations of Semen Samples: A Step Toward Infertility Diagnosis Publisher



Mohsennezhad A^{1, 2} ; Sahbafar H³ ; Zeinalizad L⁴ ; Jamshidvand H⁵ ; Goudarzi SM⁶ ; Mardaneh J⁷ ; Eskandari V⁸ Show Affiliations
Source: Chemistry Africa Published:2025

Abstract

Approximately half of infertility cases are attributed to male gender. Low sperm counts can be interpreted to be a potential for male infertility. In addition, sufficient sperm count is a considerably important factor for some assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Therefore, the detection of sperms in semen samples, especially at low counts, is of great significance for the diagnosis of infertility and the onset of its treatment. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been an interesting approach for researchers and medical sectors in recent years due to its potential to provide high-sensitive biosensors. In the present work, glass slide substrates coated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were employed as SERS-based biosensors for the detection of mice sperms swam and trapped to AgNPs. Moreover, 100%, 80%, 40%, 20%, and 10% concentrations of semen samples were prepared by dilution using PBS solution, and each sample was deposited on developed biosensors. The novelty of the present research was the development of a sensitive and cost-effective biosensor for the detection of sperms in low concentrations of semen samples. The enhancement of intensity of Raman laser outcomes using the fabricated substrates was demonstrated through the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation. This concept allowed us to identify sperms, even at their low counts and low concentrations of semen samples. © The Tunisian Chemical Society and Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.