What is the Origin of Embryo Vitrification?

The term is derived from cryobiology and reproductive science, combining embryo, the early stage of human development, with vitrification, a term derived from the Latin vitrum meaning "glass." This descriptive name refers to the glass-like, non-crystalline solid state achieved by the cellular water during the freezing process.

What is the Mechanism of Embryo Vitrification?

The core mechanism relies on replacing the majority of intracellular water with highly concentrated cryoprotectants and subjecting the embryo to an extremely rapid cooling rate. This combination significantly increases the viscosity and lowers the freezing point of the cell solution. The ultra-rapid cooling bypasses the critical temperature range for ice formation, allowing the embryo to solidify directly into a glass state, thereby preventing the lethal mechanical and osmotic damage caused by ice crystal growth.

Embryo Vitrification ∞ Area

Embryo Vitrification

Meaning

Embryo vitrification is a sophisticated cryopreservation technique utilized in assisted reproductive technology to achieve the rapid, ultra-fast freezing of human embryos for indefinite storage. This process involves the use of high concentrations of cryoprotective agents to prevent the formation of damaging ice crystals. It is an indispensable method in modern in vitro fertilization (IVF) to preserve viable embryos for future transfer cycles.