What is vitrification?
Vitrification is cryopreservation which is done with cryoprotectant (antifreeze) mixtures and procedures which are so effective that freezing can be eliminated entirely − there is effectively no ice-crystal formation. In vitrification, tissues of the cryonics patient harden like glass rather than crystallize. It is currently not possible to vitrify most organs, but the brain can be vitrified. For further discussion of vitrification technology, see my essays Vitrification in Cryonics, Physical Parameters of Cooling in Cryonics and Lessons for Cryonics from Metallurgy and Ceramics.
Vitrification is the process whereby the solution containing the embryos is cooled so quickly that the structure of the water molecules doesn’t have time to form ice crystals and instantaneously solidifies into a glass-like structure. It is an exciting new technique to “flash freeze” embryos and eggs and minimize the damage caused by freezing and thawing of cells.
