Effects of different doses and sizes of BSA nanoparticles on cryopreservation of angora buck semen: motility, functional membrane ıntegrity and, viability

Purpose: BSA is a highly soluble substance consisting of 585 amino acids, which has been successfully used for the cryopreservation of sperm from various species for a long time. However, the nanoforms of BSA (BSA NPs) have been utilized in drug delivery applications in different cell types in recent years due to their high bioavailability and increased surface areas. In this study, we investigate the effects of BSA NPs on the cryopreservability of Angora buck sperm. Method: Sperm samples from five different Ankara rams were collected in six replicates and divided into five groups: control, BSA 20-5, BSA 20-10, BSA 40-5, and BSA 40-10. The sperm, frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor, were thawed at 37 ºC, and motility, functional membrane integrity (HOST), and live/dead ratios were assessed. Findings: The data obtained showed no statistically significant difference among the groups in terms of motility and live/dead ratios. However, in the HOST test, the control group and the BSA 20-5 group had higher resistance capabilities compared to the other groups, while BSA 20-10, BSA 40-5, and BSA 40-10 groups reduced membrane resistance capability. This situation is considered to result from the removal of cholesterol from the membrane by BSA nanoparticles. Conclusion: Consequently, the study concludes that BSA NPs used at low doses and sizes do not harm sperm and hold promise for use in drug delivery systems.