JUNO-Checked – a live cell electrochemical biosensor for sperm function diagnostics

Abstract

Conventional diagnosis for male-factor infertility primarily comprises standard microscopic semen analysis, including sperm count or concentration, motility, and morphology of sperm. Unfortunately, this standard analysis offers limited predictive value for pregnancy or the success of assisted reproduction treatments. There is an urgent need for diagnostic tools that effectively probe sperm function. This study discloses a novel diagnostic tool, JUNO-Checked, comprising an electrochemical biosensor for sperm function inspired by the molecular mechanisms of fertilization, utilizing immobilized JUNO protein of oocyte origin. We show that the JUNO-Checked biosensor can quantify sperm binding to the JUNO functionalized biosensor, represented here as the JUNOScore. This score provides a unique insight into sperm function that is inaccessible through standard microscopic semen analysis. Our results underscore the novelty and potential utility of the JUNO-Checked biosensor in clinical settings for diagnostics and personalized assisted reproduction treatments.