High-viscosity mineral oils provide enhanced protection to embryo culture systems against volatile organic compounds-induced embryotoxicity
Matia Algué et al., 2025
In IVF laboratories, embryos are grown in small droplets of culture medium covered by mineral oil, which protects them from harmful substances in the environment. This study investigated whether thicker (high-viscosity) oils provide better protection against volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - harmful gases from cleaning products and other sources that can damage embryos. Using mouse embryos, researchers tested three different oil thicknesses against two common VOCs: isopropyl alcohol (found in cleaning wipes) and paraformaldehyde (a fixing agent). When exposed to isopropyl alcohol, embryos under high-viscosity oil developed normally, while those under medium and low-viscosity oils showed significantly reduced development rates. Paraformaldehyde exposure was more toxic, severely affecting embryo development regardless of oil type, though high-viscosity oil still provided the best protection. These findings suggest that IVF laboratories should consider using thicker mineral oils to better protect embryos from environmental toxins, potentially improving success rates for patients.