Cryopreservation of Mammalian Gametes and Embryos

Dr. Ashok Agarwal is the Head of the Clinical Andrology Center, which over the years under his leadership, has become a center of excellence in the United States for the diagnosis of male infertility and fertility preservation of men with oncological conditions. He is board certified as a Clinical Laboratory Director in Andrology by the American Board of Bioanalysis and an Inspector for the College of American Pathologists “Reproductive Laboratory Program” for accreditation of Andrology & IVF Laboratories. Dr. Agarwal is the recipient of several awards, such as the 2011 Innovator Award from Cleveland Clinic Innovations for the development of “Remote Sperm Banking Kits.” His current research interests are identifying biological markers of oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis using proteomic research tools and bioinformatics analysis, as well as preserving fertility in patients with cancer. Zsolt Peter Nagy, M.D., Ph.D., is the Scientific Director at Reproductive Biology Associates (RBA), in Atlanta, GA, USA. He has acquired distinctive knowledge and experience on embryo science. He is well known for his contributions to oocyte vitrification and the development of the largest donor oocyte cryo-bank in North America. Dr. Nagy is a member/officer of several national and international professional societies, including ASRM, ESHRE, Alpha, ISFP and AFP, as well as a reviewer and editor. He is the author and/or co-author of over 200 publications, book chapters, and books. Dr. Alex C. Varghese is the Scientific and Laboratory Director at Astra Fertility group in Mississauga, Canada. His proficiency and vast experience in clinical embryology and academics earned him a reputation in the ART community. He is well regarded for his passion to disseminate knowledge through online platforms and also as a leader of embryology society. He has helped many units establish training programs and affordable batch IVF units in many South Asian Countries. His area of interest is in developing automated systems for assisted reproduction. Dr. Varghese believes in “responsible reproduction” through ethical practices, low-cost IVF for the masses, quality management, and safe practices that safe guard the health of IVF children.

Historical Background on Gamete and Embryo Cryopreservation.- Utility of Animal Models for Human Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation.- Current Challenges in Immature Oocyte Cryopreservation.- Role of Antioxidants and Antifreeze Proteins in Cryopreservation/Vitrification.- Slow Freezing of Human Sperm.- Technology of Aseptic Cryoprotectant-free Vitrification of Human ICSI Spermatozoa.- Human Epididymal and Testicular Sperm Cryopreservation.- Human Oocytes Slow-rate Freezing: Methodology.- Slow Freezing and Thawing of Human Cleavage Stage Embryos.- Human Oocyte Vitrification.- Human Embryo Vitrification.- Human Ovarian Tissue Slow Freezing.- Human Ovarian Tissue Vitrification.- Establishing an Oocyte Cryo Bank Network.- Development of a Nationwide Network for Ovarian Tissue Crypreservation.- Directional Freezing of Ovarian Tissue and Freeze-drying of Stem Cells for Fertility Preservation.- Sterile Plate-BasedVitrification of Adherent Human Pluripotent Stem Cells and Their Derivatives Using the TWIST Method.- Vitrification: A Reliable Method for Cryopreservation of Animal Embryos.- Cryopreservation Effect on Genetic Function: Neonatal Outcomes.- Gavi-Automated Vitrification Instrument.- A. Cryotec® Vitrification Thawing.- B. Solid Surface Vitrification.- C. Automated Vitrification of Mammalian Embryos on a Digital Microfluidic Device.- D. Irvine Scientific®  Vitrification System.- E. Rapid-i: Closed Vitrification Device by Vitrolife.- F. Quinn’s Advantage Embryo Freeze Kit.- G. Vitrification of Blastocysts Using VitriBlast™ and ThermoBlast™ – Nidacon.