Semipermeable membrane to select gender

[BlueFrog]

Question/Business idea:

Would it theoretically be possible to design a semipermeable mebrane which allows only sperm with an x or y- chromosome to get through.

Enzymes could connect to the reproductive cells and let only a pre-defined kind through.
This could be used in some kind of condoms for families wishing female or male children.

Or an easy method fo filtering sperm for breeding animals.

What would it take to develop such a product? Is it possible?

[magicsiew]

In my opinion, it is possible, thought I am dont know how is the mechanism. However, to make it commercial product, I am sure it will face alot of ethical, social and legal issue.

[canalon]

What would it take to develop such a product? Is it possible?

Magic... I do not think it is possible in the state of our knowledge.

The differences between the sperm (Y is a bit smaller than X) are not significant enough that a simple membrane could differentiate between the 2 kind. AFAIK some techniques are based on that difference but run the sperms on a gel to separate enough the 2 populations, and even then, IIRC, it is more enrichment than good selection.
And something tells me that even a few centimeters might be too thick for a condom to grant good use. even more so if you must leave it in place for quite some time to allow the separation of the sperms. And both partners will be required to be connected to a different pole of an electrical circuit
That will require more commitment than most couple are probably ready to give to the thing.

[JackBean]