Effect of Type I Antifreeze Proteins on the Freezing and Melting Processes of Cryoprotective Solutions Studied by Site-Directed Spin Labeling Technique.

ABSTRACT: Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) protect organisms living in subzero environments from freezing injury, which render them potential applications for cryopreservation of living cells, organs, and tissues. Cryoprotective agents (CPAs), such as glycerol and propylene glycol, have been used as ingredients to treat cellular tissues and organs to prevent ice crystal's formation at low temperatures. To assess AFP's function in CPA solutions, we have the applied site-directed spin labeling technique to a Type I AFP. A two-step process to prevent bulk freezing of the CPA solutions was observed by the cryo-photo microscopy, i.e., (1) thermodynamic freezing point depression by the CPAs; and (2) inhibition to the growth of seed ice crystals by the AFP. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments were

SUBMITTER: Perez AF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7678753 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature