Cryoprotectant solution is a specialised chemical formulation that protects eggs, embryos and sperm from ice crystal damage during cryopreservation at minus 196 degrees Celsius.
In oocyte and embryo vitrification, permeable cryoprotectants such as ethylene glycol and DMSO are combined with non-permeable cryoprotectants such as sucrose. These are applied in a stepwise equilibration process before the sample is plunged into liquid nitrogen. The stepwise process prevents osmotic shock and maximises post-thaw survival rates.
In sperm cryopreservation, glycerol-based cryoprotectant solutions are used at lower concentrations alongside controlled rate freezing protocols.
CBS HSV vitrification kits include all equilibration, vitrification, warming and dilution solutions required for the complete protocol.
