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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Identification of Plant Ice-binding Proteins Through Assessment of Ice-recrystallization Inhibition and Isolation Using Ice-affinity Purification
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Identification of Plant Ice-binding Proteins Through Assessment of Ice-recrystallization Inhibition and Isolation Using Ice-affinity Purification

Published on: May 5, 2017

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Ice Recrystallization Inhibiting Polymers Enable Glycerol-Free Cryopreservation of Microorganisms

Muhammad Hasan, Alice E R Fayter, Matthew I Gibson

    Biomacromolecules
    |June 23, 2018
    PubMed

    Insights

    New cryopreservation methods using ice recrystallization inhibitors like poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(ethylene glycol) offer a safer, more effective alternative to glycerol for storing microorganisms, significantly increasing cell viability.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Biotechnology

    Background:

    • Glycerol is the standard cryoprotectant for microorganisms but is toxic and reduces cell survival.
    • Antifreeze proteins in extremophiles inhibit ice recrystallization, offering a model for cryoprotection.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To develop a novel, less toxic cryopreservation formulation for microorganisms.
    • To improve cell yield and viability post-thaw compared to traditional glycerol methods.

    Main Methods:

    • Utilized poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(ethylene glycol) as ice recrystallization inhibitors.
    • Tested cryopreservation efficacy on various bacterial strains (E. coli, Gram-negative, Gram-positive, mycobacteria).
    • Compared formulation performance against glycerol and a recombinant antifreeze protein.

    Main Results:

    • Achieved a 4-fold increase in E. coli yield post-thaw compared to glycerol.
    • Effective cryopreservation demonstrated at low additive concentrations (1.1 wt %).
    • Formulation showed broad applicability across diverse bacterial types.

    Conclusions:

    • Developed a novel macromolecular cryopreservation system with reduced toxicity and enhanced cell recovery.
    • This method represents a significant advancement over solvent-based cryoprotectants for microbial storage.
    • Potential to transition microbial storage from traditional solvent-based to macromolecular methods.

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