Bubbles seen in IVF media after transport do not generally affect the quality. They are often a result from the presence of human serum albumin (hSA)- a common additive in culture media, like in PureSperm Wash. HSA contains both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions. These properties are like those of soap molecules, which form bubbles due to their ability to stabilize air-liquid interfaces. During transport, agitation may introduce air into the media. Human serum albumin (hSA) stabilizes these air pockets, resulting in visible bubbles that persist longer in the solution. The hSA-stabilized bubbles are reversible and will dissipate once the media has settled.
In unopened media, the air trapped within bubbles is the same as the air present in the bottle. As a result, it does not influence the pH level.
HSA acts as a carrier, providing cells with nutrients that support cellular metabolism. It binds crucial metal ions essential for development and growth of cells. In PureSperm Wash, hSA is also included to prevent sperm from sticking to the culture dishes and pipettes during the handling. HSA has antioxidant interactions that are relevant for the extracellular environment as well as the intracellular compartment of the cells, further contributing to a stable and supportive culture system. When comparing PureSperm Wash containing hSA to PureSperm Wash with no hSA, it is clear that hSA supports the sperm motility after density gradient separation and it supports sperm survival.