Controlled release of swine semen encapsulated in calcium alginate beads

A quick and successful encapsulation method of swine spermatozoa is described: hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and calcium chloride were added to the sampled ejaculate swine sperm (sperm-rich fraction: creamy white) and then this suspension was dropped into an aqueous solution of sodium alginate. In order to obtain di!erent capsule thicknesses, di!erent calcium chloride concentrations were used. The in#uence of di!erent formulations on in vitro spermatozoa release behavior and on the mechanical properties has been studied. In vitro sperm kinetics (motility and average velocity) have been determined. The results obtained from motility and average velocity tests of treated seminal material are promising, especially if the di$culty of preservation of swine spermatozoa compared to bovine sperm is considered. The di!erent membranes obtained from the di!erent calcium concentrations have had an in#uence on mechanical properties and on the release pro"le of spermatozoa from the capsules, and therefore, it is possible to modulate the release rate of the cells. ( 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.