Trehalose glycopolymers for cryopreservation of tissue-engineered constructs

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Cryobiology

Background:

• Effective cryopreservation of tissue-engineered constructs (TECs) is crucial for clinical applications.
• Conventional cryoprotective agents (CPAs) like DMSO are cytotoxic.
• Trehalose, a non-permeable CPA, has limited cell penetration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize permeable trehalose glycopolymers for enhanced TEC cryopreservation.
• To evaluate the ice inhibition and biocompatibility of these novel glycopolymers.
• To establish an off-the-shelf preservation strategy for TECs.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of permeable trehalose glycopolymers.
• Assessment of ice inhibition properties.
• Evaluation of biocompatibility and cell viability post-cryopreservation.
• Functional assessment of cryopreserved TECs.

Main Results:

• Synthesized trehalose glycopolymers demonstrated good ice inhibiting activities.
• The glycopolymers exhibited excellent biocompatibility.
• TECs cryopreserved with 5.0 wt% S2 showed viability and function comparable to non-cryopreserved controls.

Conclusions:

• Permeable trehalose glycopolymers offer an effective and less cytotoxic alternative for TEC cryopreservation.
• This strategy supports the development of off-the-shelf, bioactive TECs for clinical use.