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Use of mineral oil in IVF culture systems: physico-chemical aspects, management, and safety

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Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to summarize current knowledge on the use of oil in embryo culture systems, with a focus on proper management of different types of oil and possible impact on culture systems.

Methods

PubMed was used to search the MEDLINE database for peer-reviewed English-language original articles and reviews concerning the use of oil in embryo culture systems. Searches were performed by adopting “embryo,” “culture media,” “oil,” and “contaminants” as main terms. The most relevant publications were assessed and discussed critically.

Results

Oils used in IVF are complex mixtures of straight-chain hydrocarbons, cyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons, and unsaturated hydrocarbons, whose precise composition influences their chemical and physical properties. Possible presence of contaminants suggests their storage at 4 °C in the dark to prevent peroxidation. Washing, generally performed by manufacturers prior to commercialization, may remove trace chemical contaminants. Oils reduce evaporation from culture media at rates depending on their chemical physical properties, culture system parameters, and incubator atmosphere. Contaminants — mainly metal ion and plastic components derived from refinement processes and storage — can pass to the aqueous phase of culture systems and affect embryo development.

Conclusions

Oils are essential components of culture systems. Their original quality and composition, storage, handling, and use can affect embryo development with significant efficiency and safety implications.

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Funding

This work was funded by the authors’ institutions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. European Hospital, New Fertility Group, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy

    Catello Scarica, Antonio Monaco, Elena Pontemezzo & Valentina Bonanni

  2. 9.baby, GeneraLife IVF, Bologna - Via Dante 15, 40125, Bologna, Italy

    Andrea Borini, Carlotta Zacà & Giovanni Coticchio

  3. IVF Unit, Gynaecological-Obstetric Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy

    Lucia De Santis

Authors
  1. Catello Scarica
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  2. Antonio Monaco
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  3. Andrea Borini
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  4. Elena Pontemezzo
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  5. Valentina Bonanni
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On behalf of SIERR, Società Italiana di Embriologia Riproduzione e Ricerca

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Correspondence to Giovanni Coticchio.

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Scarica, C., Monaco, A., Borini, A. et al. Use of mineral oil in IVF culture systems: physico-chemical aspects, management, and safety. J Assist Reprod Genet 39, 883–892 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-022-02479-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-022-02479-z

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