A comparison between the protection of LDH during freeze-thawing by PEG 6000 and Brij 35 at low concentrations

The protection of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) by low concentrations of the non-surface-active polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) or the non-ionic surfactant PEG dodecyl ether (Brij 35) was investigated during freeze-thawing. The freeze-thawing process was performed with a controlled temperature history, and the protective mechanisms were elaborated. The systems were examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fluorescence spectroscopy and surface tension measurements. LDH activity assays were performed spectrophotometrically. Very low concentrations of PEG 6000 (8 x 10(-5) mM) or Brij 35 (4 x 10(-3) mM) protected LDH during freeze-thawing with a low cooling rate. With an increased freezing rate, higher concentrations of the additives were needed for full protection. No interaction was detected between LDH and Brij molecules. The strong interaction between LDH and PEG molecules disappeared with a small change in the protein structure, using a hybrid of LDH. The protein was nevertheless completely protected. The amount of Brij required for complete protection at high cooling rates correlated with the created ice surface area. The protection by PEG indicated a certain correlation with the ice crystal size and with the formation of a PEG hydrate. Brij or PEG hydrate molecules might compete with the protein for adsorption at the ice surface and thereby protect the protein during freeze-thawing.