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Sperm Cryopreservation

Sperm cryopreservation offers a fast, cost‑effective way to safeguard valuable mouse lines for future research. As a streamlined alternative to embryo freezing, this method preserves mature spermatozoa collected from genome-modified male mice and stores them securely in liquid nitrogen.
sperm cryo
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Investigators provide strain and genotype details for each line in their iLab service request. Our team performs sperm collection, freezing, and long‑term storage. 

When to Choose Sperm Cryopreservation

Sperm freezing is ideal for:

  • Strains with a single mutation
  • Lines without complex genetic combinations

Requirements

  • Two singly housed proven‑breeder males per line
  • Completion of required iLab submission and transfer requests

Secure Long‑Term Storage

All frozen samples are stored in monitored liquid nitrogen tanks managed exclusively by our staff which are stored in two separate locations. Annual storage fees apply unless lines are donated to the Vanderbilt Cryopreserved Mouse Repository.

Included Quality Control

Each cryopreservation includes a quality check: thawing one to two straws and performing a small‑scale IVF to confirm successful fertilization to the 2‑cell stage.

Timeline

  1. PI submits a service request iLab
  2. Request reviewed by the Director and Senior Program Manager
  3. Experiments scheduled
  4. PI submits transfer request for breeder males
  5. Sperm collected and 17 straws placed into long‑term storage
  6. Small‑scale IVF performed using thawed straws
  7. Fertilization confirmed (2‑cell embryos)
  8. PI receives IVF results

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