Crystallisation Degree Analysis during Cryopreservation of Biological Tissue Applying Interval Arithmetic

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Heat Transfer
• Cryopreservation

Background:

• Cryopreservation using vitrification is crucial for preserving biological samples.
• Understanding heat transfer and ice crystallization is vital for successful vitrification.
• Previous models often lack consideration for interval parameters and two-phase flow dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To numerically model heat transfer and crystallization during vitrification.
• To analyze heat transfer in a microfluidic system with single-phase and two-phase flow.
• To investigate the impact of interval parameters on the cryopreservation process.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Fourier equation with a heat source incorporating ice crystallization degree.
• Employed the interval version of the finite difference method with directed interval arithmetic.
• Applied the fourth-order Runge-Kutta algorithm to determine the degree of crystallization.

Main Results:

• Simulated heat transfer and crystallization phenomena in a homogeneous sample during vitrification.
• Analyzed single-phase flow during warming and two-phase flow during cooling in micro-channels.
• Presented numerical computation examples illustrating the model's application.

Conclusions:

• The numerical model effectively simulates heat transfer and crystallization during vitrification.
• The study highlights the importance of considering interval parameters and two-phase flow.
• Findings contribute to optimizing cryopreservation protocols through advanced modeling.