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The atomistic details of the ice recrystallisation inhibition activity of PVA

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Listed:
  • Fabienne Bachtiger

    (University of Warwick
    University of Warwick)

  • Thomas R. Congdon

    (University of Warwick)

  • Christopher Stubbs

    (University of Warwick)

  • Matthew I. Gibson

    (University of Warwick
    University of Warwick)

  • Gabriele C. Sosso

    (University of Warwick
    University of Warwick)

Abstract

Understanding the ice recrystallisation inhibition (IRI) activity of antifreeze biomimetics is crucial to the development of the next generation of cryoprotectants. In this work, we bring together molecular dynamics simulations and quantitative experimental measurements to unravel the microscopic origins of the IRI activity of poly(vinyl)alcohol (PVA)—the most potent of biomimetic IRI agents. Contrary to the emerging consensus, we find that PVA does not require a “lattice matching” to ice in order to display IRI activity: instead, it is the effective volume of PVA and its contact area with the ice surface which dictates its IRI strength. We also find that entropic contributions may play a role in the ice-PVA interaction and we demonstrate that small block co-polymers (up to now thought to be IRI-inactive) might display significant IRI potential. This work clarifies the atomistic details of the IRI activity of PVA and provides novel guidelines for the rational design of cryoprotectants.

Suggested Citation

  • Fabienne Bachtiger & Thomas R. Congdon & Christopher Stubbs & Matthew I. Gibson & Gabriele C. Sosso, 2021. "The atomistic details of the ice recrystallisation inhibition activity of PVA," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-21717-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21717-z
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    Cited by:

    1. Conghui Tian & Lingxiao Shen & Chenjia Gong & Yunxia Cao & Qinghua Shi & Gang Zhao, 2022. "Microencapsulation and nanowarming enables vitrification cryopreservation of mouse preantral follicles," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-16, December.
    2. Sang Yup Lee & Minseong Kim & Tae Kyung Won & Seung Hyuk Back & Youngjoo Hong & Byeong-Su Kim & Dong June Ahn, 2022. "Janus regulation of ice growth by hyperbranched polyglycerols generating dynamic hydrogen bonding," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-10, December.

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