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Cryoprotection by dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethyl sulfone
Cryobiology
|February 1, 1987
Summary
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is an effective cryoprotectant, but its similar compound, dimethyl sulfone (DMSO2), is not. DMSO2's ineffectiveness is due to precipitation at low temperatures, causing cell damage during cryopreservation.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Biophysics
- Cryobiology
Background:
- Effective cryopreservation relies on cryoprotectants that are permeable and non-toxic.
- Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a successful cryoprotectant, while dimethyl sulfone (DMSO2) is ineffective, despite similar properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anomaly of DMSO2's ineffectiveness in cryoprotection.
- To correlate the phase behavior of DMSO and DMSO2 in aqueous solutions with human lymphocyte recovery after freezing.
Main Methods:
- Examined the phase behavior of DMSO and DMSO2 in aqueous solutions.
- Assessed the recovery rates of human lymphocytes frozen in the presence of varying concentrations of DMSO and DMSO2.
Main Results:
- DMSO2 precipitates from aqueous solutions at subzero temperatures, explaining its lack of cryoprotective effect.
- Increased concentrations of DMSO2 led to reduced lymphocyte recovery, indicating cell damage related to solid DMSO2 formation.
- Precipitation of DMSO2 occurs both intracellularly and extracellularly, with intracellular precipitation identified as the primary cause of cell damage.
Conclusions:
- Solubility is a critical, often overlooked, factor in selecting cryoprotective agents.
- Intracellular precipitation of cryoprotectants like DMSO2 can cause significant cell damage during cryopreservation.
- Effective cryopreservation protocols require considering solubility alongside toxicity and permeability for cryoprotective compound selection.