The presented study shows the possibility of using the zeta potential technique in sperm selection. Results suggest that the characteristics of semen may be reflected in the sperm surface charge, which can be measured by a simple Zeta technique. This is a pilot study that answers question whether a commercially available Zeta Potential analyzer can be used to determine the quality of human semen. Semen samples were obtained from young adult men donors and divided into portions to analyze the motility, viability, morphology, concentration and zeta potential. Results indicate that zeta potential of semen samples with right structural and functional parameters was significantly more negative in comparison to the other samples. Our use of a Zeta potential analyzer to investigate sperm surface charge adds a new dimension to data on semen quality. It is an additional simple method that helps in the widely-used routine methods of semen analysis. •Characteristics of semen may be reflected in the sperm surface charge, which can be measured by Zeta potential technique.•Only 20 µl semen being needed to analyze spermatozoa surface charge.•The commercially available Zeta Potential analyzer can be applied for semen quality investigation.
Keywords: Membrane charge; Semen analysis; Zeta potential method.
© 2020 The Author(s).