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The Valence-Dependent Activity of Colloidal Molecules as Ice Recrystallization Inhibitors
Xiaoqian Tian1, Huangbing Xu1,2, Teng Qiu1,2
1Key Laboratory of Carbon Fiber and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China.
ACS Macro Letters
|July 15, 2024
Summary
Colloidal organic molecules (CMs) exhibit valence-dependent ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI) activity. Higher fractions of Janus particles (AX1) significantly reduce ice crystal size and growth rate, offering new avenues for antifreeze protein mimic design.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) and their synthetic mimics are crucial for cryopreservation.
- Existing synthetic AFPs range from simple molecules to complex self-assemblies.
- Ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI) is key for preserving biological materials at low temperatures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the valence-dependent IRI activity of colloidal organic molecules (CMs).
- To explore the relationship between CM structure and IRI efficacy.
- To design novel materials for cryopreservation applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of ABC-type triblock terpolymers via polymerization-induced particle-assembly (PIPA).
- Characterization of CM structures, including spherical (AX0), Janus (AX1), and higher-valence (AX2, AX3) particles.
- Evaluation of IRI activity by measuring ice crystal size and growth rates.
- Modification of polymer blocks to tune temperature-dependent IRI activity.
Main Results:
- CMs formed various structures (AX0, AX1, AX2, AX3) controlled by polymer block lengths.
- Higher fractions of Janus particles (AX1) correlated with enhanced IRI activity.
- Increased AX1 fraction from 27% to 65% reduced mean grain size by 39.8% to 10.9%.
- Ice crystal growth rate was depressed by 58% with higher AX1 fractions.
- Temperature-responsive polymers enabled adjustable IRI activity.
Conclusions:
- Valence-dependent IRI activity was demonstrated in CMs.
- Janus particle fraction is a critical factor for effective IRI.
- Amphiphilic polymer nanoparticles offer a promising platform for designing IRI materials.
- Tunable IRI activity was achieved using temperature-responsive polymer blocks.
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