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Chemical approaches to cryopreservation.
Kathryn A Murray1, Matthew I Gibson2,3
1Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
Nature Reviews. Chemistry
|April 28, 2023
Summary
Discovering new cryoprotectants is crucial for cell preservation and therapies. This review explores novel chemical tools and bio-inspired strategies to improve cryopreservation, addressing cellular damage pathways for better cell banking and research outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Cell biology
- Materials science
Background:
- Cryopreservation is essential for cell banking, cell-based therapies, and biomedical research.
- Current cryoprotectants like glycerol and dimethyl sulfoxide have limitations for certain cells and workflows.
- There is a need for novel cryoprotective agents and strategies to overcome existing challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review current and emerging approaches for discovering and applying new chemical tools for cryopreservation.
- To summarize cellular damage pathways during cryopreservation and methods to mitigate them.
- To explore bio-inspired strategies and advanced materials for improved cryopreservation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cryoprotectants and cryopreservation techniques.
- Analysis of damage pathways in cellular cryopreservation.
- Discussion of small-molecule and macromolecular-based strategies, including ice-binding agents and novel materials.
- Exploration of bio-inspired approaches and future directions in cryopreservation research.
Main Results:
- Glycerol and DMSO, while foundational, are not universally effective cryoprotectants.
- Various damage pathways exist during cryopreservation, necessitating targeted solutions.
- Novel strategies include ice binders, ice nucleation inhibitors, and materials with incompletely understood mechanisms.
- Bio-inspired approaches and advanced computational/materials science tools show promise for future advancements.
Conclusions:
- Developing new cryoprotective agents and strategies is vital for advancing cell-based therapies and biomedical research.
- Addressing complex cellular damage pathways through innovative chemical and material solutions is key.
- Future cryopreservation technologies will likely integrate molecular modeling, library-based discovery, and materials science for enhanced efficacy and broader applicability.
