MiOXSYS® – the most comprehensive, definitive and rapid seminal oxidative stress measurement system

sORP – a novel approach to male fertility

The oxidation-reduction imbalance (redox) within the male reproductive tract and semen, and its detrimental effects on fertility, have been  investigated for decades. The excess levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by leukocytes and immature sperm can affect key sperm functions, such as capacitation and acrosome reaction, in turn influencing reproductive outcomes.

This new scientific understanding facilitated the demand for a reliable and accurate measurement of oxidative-reductive potential (ORP) in semen. 

The Oxidation Reduction Potential System, first introduced in 2014 after years of prototyping, represents an accurate, easy, and comprehensive real-time assessment of redox status. This next-generation diagnostic innovation is the culmination of 20 years of research, access to registries of over 8,000 patients, and collaborations with major academic and private institutions across the globe.

What is ORP? 1

Oxidation-reduction — also known as a redox reaction — is a process that involves transferring electrons from a reductant (antioxidant) to an oxidant.

ORP (oxidation-reduction potential) is an integrated measure of such transfer process, calculating the balance between total oxidants and total reductants (antioxidants) in a biological system, such as the human body.

Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), as measured by the MiOXSYS® system, provides a snapshot of the current redox balance in semen samples by utilizing a specific equation, validated with our proprietary ORP measuring technology.

MiOXSYS®: How it works

The MiOXSYS utilizes an ultrahigh impedance electrometer, with the measurement circuit configured as a galvanostat. The system also utilizes a disposable sensor, consisting of a three-electrode system: working, counter, and reference electrode.

After sample equilibration, a small oxidizing current is applied to the working electrode, thereby reducing the current to the counter electrode, and measuring the potential difference between the working and reference electrodes.

After the wetting of the electrode surfaces, the MiOXSYS Analyzer monitors the potential between the reference cell and working electrode every 0.5 seconds.

sORP measurement reflects the average of the final 10 seconds or final 20 readings of the run.

The greater the concentration of reduced molecules such as antioxidants in the sample, the less positive the electrode potential or lower the oxidative stress result. The ability to easily and comprehensively measure redox balance in real-time empowers clinicians to assess baseline status, monitor the progression of redox imbalance-mediated diseases and observe treatment effects of novel compounds or interventions. 

Clinical development

The analyzer system and software have been validated with over 10,000 clinical samples.

Academic institutions involved in MiOXSYS clinical development and validation, include:

Africa: University of Western Cape (South Africa).

Asia: Dokkyo Medical Center (Japan).

Europe: University of Kent (UK), University of Birmingham (UK), University of Nottingham (UK), Amien University (France), University of Bologna (Italy), University of Thessaly (Greece).

North America: Cleveland Clinic, University of Colorado, Baylor Medical Center, NYU Medical Center, University of Oregon State, Princeton University, University of Nebraska, University of Pittsburgh, University of Rochester, University of California San Diego, University of Florida, University of Kansas, University of Michigan, University of Washington, Tulane University, University of Virginia and University of Miami (in the United States); and University of Toronto (Canada).

Our Technology

MiOXSYS® (Male Infertility Sperm Oxidative System) – is the most comprehensive diagnostic system of seminal oxidative-reductive potential, validated by clinical studies and recognized by the World Health Organisation.

References

1 World Health Organisation Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen (6th. Ed), 2021]