Vitrifikáció

Vitrifikáció is a process of cooling a substance rapidly to a glassy, amorphous solid state without the formation of crystalline ice. This is achieved by using a cryoprotective agent (CPA) which lowers the freezing point of water and increases its viscosity. The rapid cooling rate prevents the formation of ice crystals, which can damage cells and tissues.

The vitrifikáció process is commonly used in cryopreservation, particularly for preserving biological samples such as embryos, oocytes, and sperm. It is also used in research for preserving cells and tissues for later study. The key to successful vitrifikáció lies in the choice of CPA and the cooling rate. Too slow a cooling rate can still lead to ice crystal formation, while too fast a rate can cause thermal shock.

Upon warming, the vitrified sample is rapidly thawed, and the CPA is removed. If successful, the biological material will retain its structural integrity and viability. Vitrifikáció has significantly improved the success rates of assisted reproductive technologies and expanded the possibilities for long-term storage of biological materials. Research continues to explore new and improved CPA solutions and cooling techniques to further enhance the efficiency and safety of vitrifikáció for a wider range of applications.