Development of Cheaper Embryo Vitrification Device Using the Minimum Volume Method.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Embryology
• Cryopreservation Techniques

Background:

• Vitrification is a key technique in assisted reproductive technologies for preserving embryos.
• The Cryotop device is a widely used method for embryo vitrification.
• The Calibrated Plastic Inoculation Loop (CPIL) is a novel, cost-effective tool for retrieving biological samples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficiency of the Cryotop and CPIL devices for rabbit embryo vitrification.
• To evaluate the impact of these vitrification methods on in vitro embryo development.
• To assess implantation rates, offspring viability, and embryonic/fetal losses post-vitrification.

Main Methods:

• Rabbit embryos were vitrified using either the Cryotop device or the CPIL device.
• In vitro development was assessed by culturing vitrified embryos for 48 hours.
• Implantation rates and offspring rates were determined after laparoscopic transfer and monitoring gestation to birth.

Main Results:

• No significant difference was observed in hatched blastocyst rates between Cryotop and CPIL groups (62%).
• Implantation rates (56% vs. 50%) and offspring rates (40% vs. 35%) were comparable between Cryotop and CPIL devices.
• Both vitrification methods resulted in lower rates compared to fresh embryos, with similar embryonic and fetal loss rates between Cryotop and CPIL.

Conclusions:

• The CPIL device demonstrates comparable efficacy to the Cryotop device for rabbit embryo vitrification.
• CPIL offers a cost-effective alternative (€0.05 per device) for embryo vitrification without compromising developmental outcomes.
• This study supports the potential of CPIL as a practical and economical tool in veterinary embryology and cryopreservation.