Bioinspired (Glyco)Polypeptides for Ice-Control and Cell Cryopreservation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cryobiology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Cryopreservation is vital for biomedical research and clinical applications.
• Current cryoprotective agents face challenges in efficiency and biocompatibility for diverse cell types.
• Antifreeze proteins inspire new strategies for cellular cryopreservation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the synthesis, structure, and self-assembly of (glyco)polypeptides as macromolecular cryoprotectants.
• To highlight the ice-controlling properties and cryoprotective mechanisms of these biomaterials.
• To discuss the prospects of multifunctional (glyco)polypeptides in cell cryopreservation.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on (glyco)polypeptide synthesis and characterization.
• Analysis of studies on ice nucleation, shaping, and recrystallization inhibition by (glyco)polypeptides.
• Evaluation of cryopreservation performance data for various cell types using these agents.

Main Results:

• (Glyco)polypeptides exhibit protein-mimetic structures, offering biocompatibility and tunable properties.
• These polymers effectively control ice formation processes, including nucleation, shaping, and recrystallization inhibition.
• Demonstrated efficacy in maintaining cellular viability and function post-cryopreservation.

Conclusions:

• (Glyco)polypeptides represent a promising class of macromolecular cryoprotectants with significant advantages over traditional methods.
• Further research into structure-property relationships and machine learning integration can optimize their application.
• These biomaterials hold potential for advancing cell storage in both research and clinical settings.