Automated vitrification device

Abstract

The present application relates to devices for the vitrification of biological samples, including embryos, oocytes and biological tissues. Suitably, the devices are automated devices which require little if any operator intervention or sample handling, thereby reducing contamination, improving success rates and increasing efficiency. Also provided are methods of vitrifying a biological sample, suitably using the disclosed devices.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A container for a biological sample, comprising:
 a) a support member having a top surface and a bottom surface;   b) a sample retention area traversing said support member from said top surface to said bottom surface; and   c) a porous mesh positioned in said sample retention area,   
       wherein said sample retention area allows for introduction of said biological sample onto said porous mesh and removal of a fluid from said porous mesh. 
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein said sample retention area is a substantially circular hole traversing said support member. 
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein said sample retention area comprises an extension surrounding said hole, extending at least above said top surface of said support member. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising a frame supporting said container. 
     
     
         5 . A sample handling apparatus, comprising a plurality of containers for a biological sample, each container comprising:
 a) a support member having a top surface and a bottom surface;   b) a substantially circular hole traversing said support member from said top surface to said bottom surface; and   c) a porous mesh positioned in said substantially circular hole,   
       wherein said substantially circular hole allows for introduction of said biological sample onto said porous mesh and removal of a fluid from said porous mesh, and 
       wherein said plurality of containers are supported by a frame. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 5 , comprising an extension surrounding said hole, extending at least above said top surface of said support member. 
     
     
         7 . A method of vitrifying a biological sample, comprising:
 a) placing a biological sample in a sample holder;   b) placing a cryo-protectant in a cryo-protectant holder;   c) dispensing said cryo-protectant from said cryo-protectant holder onto said sample;   d) removing excess cryo-protectant from said sample via a drying mechanism;   e) sealing said sample;   f) cutting said sealed sample; and   g) transferring said sealed sample into a coolant in a coolant holder.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said dispensing, said removing, said sealing, said cutting and said transferring are automated via a control module. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said dispensing comprises dispensing with a nozzle. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said sealing comprises sealing with an adhesive film. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said cutting comprises cutting with a first die and a second that align together.