Nanoliposomes (NLs) are a rich source of phospholipids, including phosphatidylcholine, and can encapsulate and release hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds, separately or simultaneously, to different cells.
Objectives:
This study aimed to assess the impact of NLs or nanomicelles (NMs) on characteristics of frozen–thawed bull sperm.
Methods:
Semen samples were collected with an artificial vagina twice weekly from five bulls. Ejaculates that met minimum characteristics (n = 36) were pooled, extended with 1, 2, or 3% NL or NM, and cryopreserved. Frozen–thawed sperm were assessed regarding motility (computer-assisted sperm analysis), morphology, and plasma membrane integrity (eosin-nigrosin), plasma membrane functionality (HOST), acrosome integrity (Pisum sativum agglutinin), and fertility (in vitro fertilization).
Results:
Extender with 2% NL had the highest (p < 0.001) total motility (69.85 ± 0.92%), progressive motility (58.90 ± 0.81%), sperm with integrated membrane (68.88 ± 0.49%), sperm with active membrane (65.02 ± 0.53%), sperm with intact acrosome (75.28 ± 1.1%), and in an in vitro fertilization system, the highest rates of cleavage (68.06 ± 3.98%) and blastocyst formation (40.10 ± 3.44%).
Discussion:
NL provided better cryoprotection than NM for bull sperm. Supplementing the extender with NL could enhance bull semen cryopreservation.
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