Cryoconservation

Cryoconservation (freezing storage)

For many years, it has been technically possible to freeze cells of various types, then thaw them again after months or years without causing significant damage.

The problem of freezing cell preservation lies in the potential destruction of cell organelles that are necessary for further development. This occurs mainly through the formation of ice during freezing, because the cells are composed predominantly of water. Another potential disruption is damage caused by fluid flows due to osmotic pressure within the cell. Although the risk of damage is reduced by adding antifreeze, it also has a fundamental risk potential.

Cryoconservation — Storage containers for nitrogen

Cryoconservation — Carefully labeled straws are placed in the storage tank

There are two cryopreservation methods:

the so-called slow cooling, so slow freezing
Information about slow cooling or also slow-freezing

that rapid freezing, the vitrification
Information about vitrification

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slow-freezing

In what is probably the most commonly used „slow-freezing“ method worldwide to date, the cells are cooled step-by-step to -196 degrees Celsius using computer control, which makes it possible to store the cells for a long period of time while the cell’s biological processes are halted.

Vitrification

For about ten years, vitrification has also been used increasingly in the field of human medicine. This is an ultra-fast freezing process.

Cryo cycle

During the cryocycle, an embryo, either in its natural cycle or under hormonal stimulation, is transferred into the uterus either as an egg cell, a fertilized egg or an embryo that has already been frozen.