Bacterial contamination and sperm recovery after semen preparation by density gradient centrifugation using silane-coated silica particles at different g forces

The effects of density gradient centrifugation through silane-coated silica particles (PureSperm(R)) using 100, 200, 300 and 500 g on bacterial contamination of sperm samples and recovery of motile spermatozoa from sperm samples were investigated with conventional culturing techniques and microscopic visual assessment. The recovery of motile spermatozoa was variable and was not improved using 500 g compared to the recommended 300 g. The bacterial contamination was highly decreased by gradient centrifugation through PureSperm(R) and was almost abolished when strict aseptic techniques were used, with changes to sterile Pasteur pipettes and tubes prior to washing procedures.