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Updated: Jun 30, 2025
Modified MicroSecure Vitrification: A Safe, Simple and Highly Effective Cryopreservation Procedure for Human Blastocysts
Published on: March 2, 2017
A compact, high-throughput semi-automated embryo vitrification system based on hydrogel.
Shanshan Wang1, Lei Chen1, Junshun Fang1
1Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.; Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China.
The novel Biorocks system enhances vitrification throughput for oocytes and embryos using hydrogel-based cryoprotective agent delivery. This semi-automated method achieves results comparable to manual techniques, improving efficiency in assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cryobiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Vitrification is a key technique in assisted reproductive technology (ART) for cryopreserving oocytes and embryos.
- Current manual vitrification methods can be labor-intensive and limit throughput.
- There is a need for more efficient and standardized vitrification systems in ART clinics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficiency and efficacy of the novel Biorocks semi-automated vitrification system.
- To compare the performance of the Biorocks system with the manual Cryotop method.
- To assess the impact of the Biorocks system on oocyte and embryo survival and developmental potential.
Main Methods:
- A comparative experimental laboratory study utilizing a mouse model and human day 6 blastocysts.
- Quality assessment of mouse oocytes and embryos post-vitrification.
- Evaluation of survival rates, blastocyst progression, and re-expansion rates for both Biorocks and manual Cryotop methods.
Main Results:
- The Biorocks system achieved a throughput of up to 36 embryos/oocytes per hour through automated solution exchanges.
- Vitrification outcomes for oocytes and embryos were equivalent to the manual Cryotop method, with high survival and developmental rates.
- Mouse oocyte survival was 98% (Biorocks) vs. 95% (Cryotop), with 46% vs. 41% blastocyst progression, respectively.
- Human day 6 blastocysts showed a 92% re-expansion rate with Biorocks versus 90% with Cryotop.
Conclusions:
- The Biorocks semi-automated vitrification system enhances throughput without compromising oocyte and embryo viability.
- This hydrogel-based system offers improved efficiency and standardization potential for ART clinics.
- Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm the efficacy of the Biorocks system in a broader context.
