Fig. 1
Schematic representation of the two in vitro systems developed to model the sperm-oviduct interaction. (a) 3-D functionalized streptavidin coverslip: the coverslips are placed on a petri dish, medium droplets containing sulfated LeX (suLeX) are placed on the streptavidin regions of the coverslip that are surrounded by hydrophobic surface, and the whole system is covered with mineral oil. (b) Polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-biotin slides: the slides are coated with streptavidin, a hybridization chamber is placed on the slide, and the chambers are filled with medium containing suLeX. (c) The streptavidin coating in both glass surfaces allows biotinylated suLeX to be tightly immobilized to the surface. Once the sperm are added and incubated in the system, membrane receptors on the head recognize and attach to suLeX bound to the glass.
