Automated system for cryopreservation of oocytes, embryos, or blastocysts

Abstract

An automated system and method of cryopreservation and reanimation of oocytes, embryos, or blastocysts is disclosed. One or more oocytes or embryos are positioned in a processing container, the processing container being configured to allow fluid to flow into and out of the processing container, where two or more fluids flow into and out of the processing container with oocytes or embryos therein. The temperature of the fluid may be controlled in the processing container according to predetermined requirements. The flowing of the fluids may be controlled by a central controller adapted to control one or more valves.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to the field of cryopreservation. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing automated change in the solution environment for the cryopreservation and / or reanimation of oocytes, embryos or blastocysts.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]This section is intended to provide a background or context to the invention that is recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.[0003]The ability to cryopreserve and then reanimate oocytes, embryos or blastocysts is desirable for many reasons. However, conventional techniques have proven difficult to reproduce in an ef...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method of cryopreservation and reanimation of oocytes, embryos or blastocysts. The method comprises positioning one or more oocytes, embryos or blastocysts in a processing container, the processing container being configured to allow fluid to flow into and out of the processing container; and flowing two or more fluids into ...

Problems solved by technology

However, conventional techniques have proven difficult to reproduce in an effective, efficient and consistent manner.

Such conventional techniques are typically labor-intensive, requiring substantial handling of the oocytes, embryos or blastocysts by a highly skilled human technician.

Further, oocytes frequently incur structural damage during conventional cryopreservation techniques.

For example, conventional manual movement of oocytes among cryopreservation solution baths can impart osmotic and thermal shock.

For instance, formation of ice crystals within the oocyte can cause intracellular damage in the oocyte.

Oocytes undergoing conventional cryopreservation techniques can also experience a loss of sphericity and undesirable changes in volume.

Such effects may result in structural damage in addition to toxicity, thereby significantly diminishing the viability of the oocyte and ultimately reducing the probability of successful fertilization.

Human involvement and conventional preservation techniques greatly contribute to the lack of consistency in cryopreservation of oocytes, embryos or blastocysts and results in an undesirably low fertilization success rate.

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