Cryopreservation in ART and concerns with contamination during cryobanking
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REVIEW ARTICLE
Cryopreservation in ART and concerns with contamination during cryobanking Mark G. Larman • Shu Hashimoto • Yoshiharu Morimoto • David K. Gardner
Received: 7 August 2013 / Accepted: 20 January 2014 / Published online: 5 February 2014 Ó Japan Society for Reproductive Medicine 2014
Abstract The cryopreservation of gametes and embryos is vital to numerous fields of reproductive biology, including assisted human reproduction. With improved culture conditions, there are an increasing number of embryos to cryopreserve for potential use in subsequent cycles. Many of the gametes and embryos in human IVF are cryopreserved in open systems. Because liquid nitrogen is not sterile, concerns have been raised with regard to contamination from the liquid nitrogen and also crosscontamination between patients’ germplasm. Human gamete and embryo cryopreservation are discussed, with recommendations on how to minimize and eliminate contamination, emphasizing the benefits of closed vitrification devices.
number of reproductive fields. For example, unique mouse strains (e.g., transgenic mice) can be cryo-stored to protect valuable genetics. It also provides a practical solution for facilities housing large numbers of research animals or those looking to transfer animals without the risk of introducing an animal-derived pathogen. Cryopreservation is vital for domestic animal genetic maintenance and propagation, with millions of doses of bull semen and cattle embryos being cryopreserved and shipped worldwide [1, 2]. Cryopreservation is also seen as a potential safeguard for endangered animals, with the creation of ‘‘frozen zoos’’ [3]. In human assisted reproductive technology (ART), cryopreservation has become an essential component for almost every single IVF cycle.
Keywords Closed device Contamination Cryopreservation Liquid nitrogen Vitrification
Human gamete cryopreservation
Introduction Cryopreservation in reproduction Cryopreservation allows for the long-term storage of gametes and embryos, which is highly advantageous in a
M. G. Larman (&) Vitrolife, 3601 S. Inca St, Englewood, CO 80110, USA e-mail: [email protected] S. Hashimoto Y. Morimoto IVF Namba Clinic, Osaka 550-0015, Japan D. K. Gardner Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
Artificial insemination with frozen semen was first reported in 1954 [4]. A decade later, spermatozoa that had been cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen for 5 months were used for insemination [5]. These early successes paved the way for routine clinical application and the formation of human sperm banks. Despite its widespread application, a report by the World Health Organization indicates that around 50 % of the sperm are damaged by the cryopreservation process [6]. Freezing generally causes a decrease in the percentage of motile sperm, but the extent varies considerably among individuals. Although this variability might not be considered an issue with healthy males, it has been noted that men with malignant diseases can have sign
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