Cryopreservation is a desirable method for the long-term storage of human red blood cells (RBCs). Current protocols employ high concentrations of glycerol that must be removed from thawed RBCs prior to transfusion. Small-molecule ice recrystallization inhibitors (IRI) can protect RBCs from cryoinjury during the freezing and thawing process in the presence of reduced amounts of glycerol. Although reducing the concentration of glycerol during freezing reduces post-thaw deglycerolization times, thawed RBC units still require post-thaw processing. Herein, we report the cryopreservation of RBCs using the non-permeating cryoprotective agent (CPA) hydroxyethyl starch (HES) supplemented with small-molecule IRIs: (1) PMP-Glc (110 mM); and (2) pBrPh-Glc (30 mM). The results demonstrate that 30 mM pBrPh-Glc in 11.5 % (w/w) HES affords quantitative post-thaw recovery of intact RBCs that are superior to those obtained using glycerol with slow cooling rates, and show the utility of small-molecule IRIs in cryopreservation…
Tag: <span>cryoprotectants</span>
The success of tissue-engineered cartilage constructs (TECCs) as treatment options for healing cartilage defects can only be achieved if suitable preservation methods are found that can maintain their viability and function. Simply lowering the temperature of cells and tissues to below their freezing point invariably destroys them due to ice crystals that form in the water-laden cells and tissues. In addition, high salt concentrations that result from removal of water due to ice formation create a toxic imbalance. If the formation of ice crystals can be minimized while still halting metabolic activity of cells at low temperatures, then the viability and functionality of the preserved tissue may be maintained…