Validation of microSecure vitrification (μS-VTF) for the effective cryopreservation of human embryos and oocytes

• Published in: Cryobiology 2015-10, Vol.71 (2), p.264-272
• Main Authors: Schiewe, Mitchel C., Zozula, Shane, Anderson, Robert E., Fahy, Gregory M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Animals; Aseptic vitrification; Blastocyst - physiology; Cell Survival; Cooling rates; Cryopreservation - instrumentation; Cryopreservation - methods; Cryoprotective Agents - pharmacology; Embryo Culture Techniques; Embryo Implantation; Embryo Transfer - methods; Embryos; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female - therapy; Mice; Oocytes; Oocytes - physiology; Validation; Vitrification; Warming rates
• ISSN: 0011-2240; 1090-2392
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2015.07.009

A novel, aseptic closed system vitrification (VTF) technique for the cryopreservation of embryos and oocytes has been developed and clinically validated in this study. It combines the practicality of embryo-containing sterile flexipettes stored safely and securely with 0.3ml CBS™ embryo straws possessing weld seals. The cooling and warming rates of this double container system were determined using a data logger. Upon direct plunging into LN2, the flexipettes cool at an average rate of 1391°C/min, while warming occurs at an average rate of 6233°C/min in a 37°C 0.5M sucrose bath. Direct deposition of the flexipette into a warming bath insured a rapid transition between −100 and −60°C to minimize potentially harmful recrystalization associated with devitrification. In conclusion, the μS-VTF system has exhibited higher (p