Q: Your work on the Felix device in human sperm separation technology is globally renowned. Is there any link between Felix and your work on animal fertility?
Laureate Professor Aitken: “In broad terms, there are technical links between the Felix system and the RoXstaTM system, the RoXstaTM system being an in-vitro diagnostic device that assesses semen and other bodily fluids for antioxidant capacity relating to low levels of antioxidant protection, which is, in turn, linked to male and female infertility and levels of DNA damage in sperm and eggs. We are keen to transfer the Felix approach for sperm isolation to selected animal markets, but more work has to be performed for us to realise that ambition.”
Q: You’ve been a powerful, insightful driving force at Memphasys since joining the team in 2021. At halfway through 2024, what’s your biggest highlight from your work so far?
Laureate Professor Aitken: “The clear highlight of our work has been the development of the RoXstaTM system for assessing the antioxidant status of biological material. This approach is unique, extremely rapid, and applicable across a broad range of commercial settings from food technology to the optimisation of cattle breeding.”
Q: The Memphasys Animal Breeding Solutions (MABS) does great work which sounds quite scientific on paper. How do you describe MABS work to members of the general public?
Laureate Professor Aitken: “MABS represents the Memphasys commitment to the development of novel technologies to optimise animal breeding success. Our primary targets currently are the horse and cattle breeding markets, but Memphasys is eager to use our scientific know-how to address any animal breeding problems across any species.”
Q: What animal species is MABS focussing on now?
Laureate Professor Aitken: “We are currently trialing RoXstaTM in cattle breeding, and will soon be examining this device in the context of horse training. Examine horse training.’
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Q: Looking to the wider future of fertility and reproductive outcomes that Memphasys is committed to delivering, what innovations or steps forward do you hope are on the horizon?
Laureate Professor Aitken: I hope that we will:
Be able to validate the relationship between the RoXstaTM device and the effectiveness of antioxidant therapy in a wide variety of clinical contexts,
Develop a viable ambient temperature storage medium for bovine spermatozoa, as an alternative to cryopreservation,
Develop a novel approach for the isolation of animal spermatozoa that is quicker than conventional methods and ensures optimal retention of sperm function,
Develop a novel medium for the cryopreservation of spermatozoa in both a human and an animal context that retains sperm function more effectively than conventional methods,
Develop a medium for the effective extension (dilution) of human and animal semen.
On the Memphasys mission to revolutionise animal breeding and improve reproductive outcomes across species, the future looks full of exciting, beneficial potential under the scientific stewardship of Professor Aitken and his team. We’re all eagerly anticipating the transformative impacts and societal benefits that could be delivered by this work designed to deliver improvements in reproductive health and efficiency
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