The CryoLoop facilitates re-vitrification of embryos at four successive stages of development without impairing embryo growth

Abstract

Background: Vitrification has been shown to be an effective method of cryopreservation, but little is known about re-vitrification of embryos. This study investigated the effect of re-vitrification on mouse embryo preimplantation development and viability post-transfer. Methods: Mouse embryos at the 1-cell stage were vitrified using the CryoLoop technique. Embryos were warmed and then re-vitrified successively at the 2-, 8-cell and blastocyst stages. The effects of multiple rounds of vitrification on development, differentiation and viability were assessed and compared with non-vitrified embryos. Results: Development to the 8-cell stage on day 3 and blastocyst on day 5 were not affected by r..