Modification of cellular membranes conveys cryoprotection to cells during rapid, non-equilibrium cryopreservation.

ABSTRACT: Rapid cooling and re-warming has been shown promising to cryopreserve living cells, which cannot be preserved by conventional slow freezing methods. However, success is limited by the cytotoxicity of highly concentrated cryoprotective agents. Recent results have shown that cryoprotective agents do not need to suppress intracellular ice crystals completely to allow for survival after cryopreservation. Cryoprotective agents like DMSO or ethylene glycol can also lead to a tolerance of cells towards intracellular ice. It is however unclear by which mechanism this tolerance is achieved. These substances are also known to modulate properties of cellular membranes. It is shown here that cryoprotective DMSO and ethylene glycol have a clear influence on the mobility of lipids in the plasma membrane

SUBMITTER: Huebinger J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6179263 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature