Enhanced post-thaw viability of cryopreserved cells by oxygenated perfluorocarbon or Pluronic F-68

Viability and growth following cryopreservation have been examined following (i) culture of Oryza sativa cv. Taipei 309 (Japonica rice) in medium overlaying oxygenated perfluorocarbon (PFC) liquid (Flutec PP6), and (ii) culture of two cvs. of Japonica rice (Taipei 309, Tarom), and Lolium multiflorum in media with Pluronic F-68 (0.01-0.2% w/v). The mean viability of cv. Taipei 309 rice cells following 4 days in medium overlaying oxygenated Flutec (0.45 +/- 0.07; n = 20) was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than control (0.35 +/- 0.08). Cell viability of cv. Tarom was increased by 400% (P < 0.001) with 0.1% (w/v) Pluronic F-68 in the recovery medium. Mean cell viability was also elevated 3-fold (P < 0.001) and 2-fold (P < 0.05) with 0.2% (w/v) and 0.01% (w/v) Pluronic, respectively. A 2-fold increase (P < 0.001) in viability occurred for Taipei 309 cells exposed to 0.01% (w/v) Pluronic F-68; that of Lolium cells was increased by 31% (P < 0.01) under similar conditions. Pluronic F-68 (0.01% w/v) also stimulated biomass, by 29-32%, in both cvs. Taipei 309 and Lolium at 30 days post-thawing.