Cryopreservation Options
Sperm Cryopreservation
Sperm freezing provides rapid, cost effective line preservation:
- Speed:Samples collected and frozen within days
- Efficiency:Single male provides multiple preservation units
- Cost:Lower cost than embryo cryopreservation
- Recovery:IVF with wildtype oocytes regenerates line
Sperm cryopreservation is ideal for routine archiving of established lines and backup preservation of active breeding colonies.
Embryo Cryopreservation
Embryo freezing preserves complete genotypes including homozygotes and complex allele combinations:
- Genetic preservation:Both maternal and paternal genotypes preserved
- Homozygote recovery:Frozen embryos can be homozygous
- Complex genotypes:Multi allele combinations preserved intact
- Recovery:Direct embryo transfer regenerates line
Embryo cryopreservation is preferred when preserving homozygous lines, compound mutants, or genotypes that would be difficult to regenerate through breeding.
Choosing Between Methods
Sperm Cryopreservation
| Advantage | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Rapid turnaround | Recovery requires IVF |
| Lower cost | Offspring are heterozygous |
| Minimal animal use | Female genotype from oocyte donor |
| Multiple units from one male | Some strains freeze less efficiently |
Embryo Cryopreservation
| Advantage | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Complete genotype preservation | Higher cost than sperm |
| Homozygotes directly recovered | Requires more donor animals |
| Complex alleles preserved | Longer preparation time |
| Higher recovery rates for some strains | Embryo collection scheduling |
Method Selection Guide
| Situation | Recommended Method |
|---|---|
| Routine backup of heterozygous line | Sperm cryopreservation |
| Archiving homozygous line | Embryo cryopreservation |
| Complex multi allele genotype | Embryo cryopreservation |
| Rapid archiving needed | Sperm cryopreservation |
| Maximum genetic security | Both sperm and embryo |
| Cost sensitive archiving | Sperm cryopreservation |
Recovery Services
IVF Recovery (from Sperm)
In vitro fertilization regenerates lines from cryopreserved sperm:
- Thaw cryopreserved sperm samples
- Fertilize wildtype oocytes in vitro
- Transfer resulting embryos to pseudopregnant recipients
- Genotype offspring to identify carriers
IVF recovery typically produces heterozygous offspring that can be intercrossed to regenerate homozygotes if needed.
Embryo Transfer Recovery
Direct embryo transfer regenerates lines from cryopreserved embryos:
- Thaw cryopreserved embryos
- Transfer to pseudopregnant recipients
- Pups born with preserved genotype
- No additional breeding required for genotype recovery
Embryo transfer recovery is straightforward and regenerates the exact genotype that was frozen.
Why Cryopreserve
Protect Research Investment
Genetically engineered mouse models represent significant investment:
- Time:Many months for model generation
- Cost:Substantial project investment
- Expertise:Scientific design and characterization
- Irreplaceable:Unique alleles cannot be easily recreated
Cryopreservation protects this investment against unforeseen loss.
Risk Mitigation
Live colonies face multiple risks:
- Disease outbreak:Pathogen introduction can require colony elimination
- Breeding failure:Lines can become infertile or lose vigor
- Facility disruption:Equipment failure, natural disaster, or relocation
- Genetic drift:Accumulated mutations over many generations
- Human error:Breeding mistakes or colony mismanagement
Frozen archives provide recovery options when live colonies are compromised.
Resource Efficiency
Cryopreservation enables efficient resource management:
- Reduce vivarium costs:Archive inactive lines instead of maintaining live colonies
- Free cage space:Preserve lines not currently needed for experiments
- Maintain options:Keep valuable lines available without ongoing per diem costs
- Share resources:Distribute frozen samples to collaborators
Storage and Security
Liquid Nitrogen Storage
Cryopreserved samples are maintained in liquid nitrogen at minus 196 degrees Celsius:
- Samples remain viable indefinitely at this temperature
- No biological activity or degradation occurs
- Periodic liquid nitrogen replenishment maintains temperature
- Automated monitoring systems alert to any issues
Redundant Storage
Critical samples benefit from geographic redundancy:
- Store backup samples at separate location
- Protection against site specific disasters
- Multiple recovery options if primary archive is compromised
Inventory Management
Professional inventory tracking ensures sample accessibility:
- Detailed records of all stored samples
- Location tracking within storage system
- Sample history and recovery documentation
- Regular inventory audits
Integration with Model Generation
Archiving New Models
Cryopreservation integrates seamlessly with model generation projects:
- Archive germline confirmed founders as part of project completion
- Preserve characterized ES cell clones for future use
- Create backup before shipping live animals
- Establish archive before colony expansion
Ongoing Colony Support
Cryopreservation supports active research programs:
- Periodic backup of valuable breeding lines
- Archive before planned colony reduction
- Preserve intermediate genotypes during complex breeding
- Create distribution archives for collaborator requests
What Researchers Say
“Our project manager did an outstanding job and has provided us with excellent customer service. Her availability to clarify issues has been nothing short of fantastic. I have recommended ingenious to others. Look forward for further collaboration on other projects.”
— Hamid M. Said, PhD, PharmD
University of California, Irvine
Protect Your Mouse Models
Our team is ready to discuss cryopreservation options for your mouse lines. Whether you need routine archiving of a single line or comprehensive preservation of a large model collection, we can design a preservation strategy that protects your research investment. Initial consultation is provided at no charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cryopreservation Service Insights
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