Cryopreservation in mammalian conservation biology: current applications and potential utility

Abstract

A rapid and continuous decline in wild mammalian species populations has been documented in recent decades. Although in situ conservation strategies such as habitat preservation are usually the best way to preserve biodiversity, other rescue strategies such as germplasm cryopreservation are sometimes necessary. Germplasm cryopreservation involves the freezing of gametes, embryos, gonadal tissues, or somatic tissues of species threatened with extinction. There is substantial diversity in the cryobiological requirements among cell types and tissues of each species. Research has focused on adapting techniques developed for the conservation of the genetic material of domestic animals for use with wild species about which relatively little is known. This review describes and discusses the current and potential use of cryobanking for the preservation of cells and tissues of threatened species.

Kinetic vitrification: concepts and perspectives in animal sperm cryopreservation

“…The addition of N-CPA in the equilibrium vitrification can reduce the concentrations of permeable cryoprotectants in the vitrification solution, thereby minimizing damage from their toxicity (Shaw et al, 1997;Silva et al, 2015;Mosca et al, 2016). A study involving equine spermatozoa evaluated the use of different sugars in equilibrium vitrification; better rates of progressive motility and plasma membrane integrity were obtained with 100 mM trehalose (41.5 and 81.1% respectively) in comparison to 200 mM sucrose (28.7 and 74.4%) and 100 mM (28.6 and 72.9%).…”

Biobanking and use of gonadal tissues - a promising strategy for conserving wildlife from the Caatinga biome

“…The cryopreservation associated with the in vitro or in vivo culture of PAFs represents a promising alternative for the preservation of female germplasm. Almost all (>90%) of the oocyte reserve of the ovary is found in these follicles, making it possible to preserve genetic material from a single female, (i) before it goes to atresia, (ii) from individuals at any stage of development (fetus, pre-pubescent, and adult) and (iii) individual status (alive animals or post-mortem) ( Silva et al, 2015 ). This technology allows the creation of BRB with biomaterials form females of high genetic value that suddenly die, or females that, for medical reasons, have to undergo ovariectomy ( Campos et al, 2019a ).…”

Cryopretectants and Their Usage in Cryopreservation Process

“…In this study high quality randomized trials were used to find best cryoprotectant protocol for fresh transfer of embryos. Silva et al [26] reviewed about mammalian conservation biology and cryopreservation. They enlightened the importance of germ plasma cryopreservation of embryos, gonadal tissues, gametes, and some somatic tissues.…”