Successful and time-efficient oocyte vitrification using physiological temperature and DMSO-free solutions for clinical use in routine IVF

Background and Aim: Oocyte cryopreservation is usually performed at room temperature despite the knowledge that oocytes are particularly sensitive to temperature changes which can result in irreversible damage. Maintaining physiological temperature during vitrification and warming preserves oocyte cell structure. It also increases speed of cryoprotectant and water movement, resulting in faster cryopreservation procedures. Concerns about effects of DMSO on cytotoxicity, gene expression, intracellular Ca2+ and cell differentiation makes it appealing to use DMSO-free solutions.