image from: Huang, H., Rodolis, M. T., Bhatia, S. R., and Sampson, N. S. (2017) “Sugars require rigid multivalent displays for activation of mouse sperm acrosomal exocytosis,” Biochemistry, DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00166.

We have developed glycopolymers that activate sperm acrosomal exocytosis in mice. We are using these polymers to assess sperm samples from infertile couples in order to identify glycopolymer activation that correlates with infertility. Using a flow cytometry-based assay and statistical analysis, we will develop the best glycopolymers into a predictive, diagnostic assay that can guide infertility treatments.