Cornell researchers say they have developed a dramatically faster embryo freezing technique that could improve fertility treatments, livestock breeding and efforts to preserve endangered species.
The new method freezes embryos about 30 times faster than conventional approaches, preventing the formation of damaging ice crystals that can reduce embryo survival rates during storage and thawing.
The research team found that embryos preserved using the ultrafast cooling process remained free of ice damage and developed much more like fresh, unfrozen embryos after thawing. In tests involving bovine embryos, the technique produced significantly better results than standard freezing methods and ultimately led to successful pregnancies.
Scientists say the advance could have far-reaching implications. Current embryo cryopreservation methods are widely used in human in vitro fertilization, animal reproduction and conservation programs, but ice formation during thawing can damage cells and reduce the number of viable embryos.
The researchers believe the new approach could improve consistency and outcomes in IVF while also helping preserve genetic diversity in endangered species. The technology may also benefit livestock breeding programs and biomedical research involving stem cells and genetically modified animals.
The project was led by Cornell physicist Robert Thorne and involved researchers from Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The team also used advanced genomic analysis to compare how embryos responded to different freezing methods.
Researchers found evidence that embryos preserved through standard protocols activated genes associated with DNA damage repair, while embryos preserved through ultrafast cooling showed far fewer signs of that response. The finding suggests the faster freezing process may significantly reduce cellular damage.
The study was published May 16 in the journal Scientific Reports. Researchers say they are continuing work to further refine the process and reduce the amount of cryoprotectant chemicals required during preservation.
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