News

• The SORTYX Operational Group is investigating a technology capable of separating sperm carrying X and Y chromosomes without compromising their viability, with the aim of improving reproductive planning in the swine sector.
• The project combines microfluidics, computational simulation, and genetic analysis to develop a precise, accessible, and non-invasive sperm selection system.
• The initiative, which is supra-regional in scope, will be developed between 2025 and 2028 in Castile and León and Catalonia.

The pig farming industry faces the challenge of meeting growing food demand in an increasingly efficient and sustainable way. In this context, improving reproductive planning and optimizing farm management have become strategic priorities for increasing the sector's competitiveness, reducing costs, and making better use of available resources.

With this objective in mind, the SORTYX Operational Group (OG) was created . This initiative focuses on developing an innovative microfluidic system (one that precisely manipulates liquids in channels and structures with very small dimensions) capable of selecting sperm based on their sex chromosome (X or Y). The project combines biotechnology, computational simulation, and genetic analysis tools to offer a more accessible and less invasive alternative to currently available technologies, contributing to improved reproductive efficiency in pig farms.

A new tool to improve reproduction in pigs

The main objective of GO SORTYX is to provide a tool capable of accurately separating sperm carrying X and Y chromosomes while maintaining their quality and reproductive capacity. This technology aims to address the limitations of current methods, which are characterized by their high cost, limited accessibility, and potential impact on sperm viability.

The main objectives of the project include:

• To characterize the biological differences between both sperm populations.

• Optimize reproductive efficiency and production planning of farms.

• Reduce the costs associated with current sperm sexing systems.

• Promote the transfer of this technology to the pig farming sector.

Microfluidics, simulation and genetic analysis at the service of the sector

SORTYX's innovation lies in the development of a microfluidic device made from biocompatible materials that incorporates microscopic channels and an electrode system capable of generating controlled electric fields. Thanks to this technology, the project aims to separate X and Y sperm populations by exploiting their physicochemical differences. To achieve this, the GO is developing several lines of research, including:

• The study of the electrical potential , size, and quality of sperm.

• The design and optimization of a microfluidic chip using 3D printing.

• The development of computer simulations to optimize the device's performance.

• The system was validated using techniques such as PCR (a genetic analysis technique that allows the identification and quantification of specific DNA. Thanks to it, researchers can accurately determine the percentage of sperm with X and Y chromosomes), flow cytometry, and biological assays.

• Conducting tests in artificial insemination centers and validations under real conditions to verify its reproductive effectiveness.

Initial progress of the project

Although SORTYX is still in its early stages of development, the project has already reached some significant milestones. Among the advances achieved so far are the development of the first system validation tools and the design of the initial prototype of the microfluidic device.

Furthermore, in collaboration with the University of Zaragoza , the sperm analysis protocol using flow cytometry has also been optimized, an advance that will allow for more precise validation of the system's operation.

According to Alicia Canut, director of the Spanish Pig Producers Cluster (i+Porc) , "a protocol has already been established to measure the population percentage of sperm with X and Y chromosomes using PCR. This is a quick and inexpensive measure that will allow us to validate the progress of the model under development."

Participants and funding

The GO SORTYX is coordinated by the Spanish Pig Producers Cluster (i+Porc) and its beneficiary entities are:

• Agrofluidics SL

• Semen Cardona SL

• Beonchip SL

In addition, the University of Zaragoza (interdisciplinary group Tissue MicroEnvironment Laboratory - TME Lab) , Vector Horizon and the Aragon Health Research Institute (IISA) participate as collaborating entities .

Regarding the collaboration between the partners, Alicia Canut highlights that "all the participating institutions have extensive experience both in the sector and in participating in R&D projects, so the collaboration has been fluid and the research can advance at a good pace, in accordance with the planned deadlines."

The project has a supra-regional character, will be developed between 2025 and 2028 in Castilla y León and Catalonia and has a budget of 600,000 euros , financed by EAFRD within the framework of the CAP Strategic Plan (PEPAC) 2023-2027 .