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Synthetic polymers enable non-vitreous cellular cryopreservation by reducing ice crystal growth during thawing

Author

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  • Robert C. Deller

    (University of Warwick
    Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University of Warwick
    Molecular Organisation and Assembly in Cells (MOAC), Doctoral Training Centre, University of Warwick)

  • Manu Vatish

    (Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University of Warwick
    Present address: Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK)

  • Daniel A. Mitchell

    (Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University of Warwick)

  • Matthew I. Gibson

    (University of Warwick)

Abstract

The cryopreservation of cells, tissue and organs is fundamental to modern biotechnology, transplantation medicine and chemical biology. The current state-of-the-art method of cryopreservation is the addition of large amounts of organic solvents such as glycerol or dimethyl sulfoxide, to promote vitrification and prevent ice formation. Here we employ a synthetic, biomimetic, polymer, which is capable of slowing the growth of ice crystals in a manner similar to antifreeze (glyco)proteins to enhance the cryopreservation of sheep and human red blood cells. We find that only 0.1 wt% of the polymer is required to attain significant cell recovery post freezing, compared with over 20 wt% required for solvent-based strategies. These results demonstrate that synthetic antifreeze (glyco)protein mimics could have a crucial role in modern regenerative medicine to improve the storage and distribution of biological material for transplantation.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert C. Deller & Manu Vatish & Daniel A. Mitchell & Matthew I. Gibson, 2014. "Synthetic polymers enable non-vitreous cellular cryopreservation by reducing ice crystal growth during thawing," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-7, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:5:y:2014:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms4244
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4244
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    Cited by:

    1. 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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