Cryopreservation and its clinical applications

Abstract

Cryopreservation is a process that preserves organelles, cells, tissues, or any other biological constructs by cooling the samples to very low temperatures. The responses of living cells to ice formation are of theoretical interest and practical relevance. Stem cells and other viable tissues, which have great potential for use in basic research as well as for many medical applications, cannot be stored with simple cooling or freezing for a long time because ice crystal formation, osmotic shock, and membrane damage during freezing and thawing will cause cell death. The successful cryopreservation of cells and tissues has been gradually increasing in recent years, with the use of cryoprotective agents and temperature control equipment. Continuous understanding of the physical and chemical properties that occur in the freezing and thawing cycle will be necessary for the successful cryopreservation of cells or tissues and their clinical applications. In this review, we briefly address representative cryopreservation processes, such as slow freezing and vitrification, and the available cryoprotective agents. In addition, some adverse effects of cryopreservation are mentioned.

Cryopreservation of sperm in annual fish Austrolebias minuano (Cyprinodontiformes; Rivulidae)

“…In the present study, an intermediate 10% DMSO concentration performed well for almost all kinetic parameters with a lower efficacy profile at lesser concentrations. However, further investigations are required for the toxic effects of DMSO on fish in conditions of high concentrations or increased exposure time (Bozkurt, Yavaş, Bucak, & Yeni, ; Jang et al, ; Wakchaure et al, ).…”

Emerging technologies in organ preservation, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: a blessing or curse for transplantation?

“…Preliminary attempts in subzero organ preservation have been undertaken by organ freezing, but limitations of this strategy still pose significant difficulties in application. In contrast to single‐cell suspensions such as blood products, bone marrow, or in the context of fertility treatment , freezing of whole organs is much more complex. Ice crystal formation itself generates mechanical stress and can cause cell rupture .…”

“…Thus far, successful cryopreservation using vitrification has mostly been achieved in small structures that can be rapidly cooled and rewarmed such as cell suspensions, blood vessels and reproductive organs . For vitrification of whole organs, studies are limited to the kidney.…”

Microfluidic technology for in vitro fertilization (IVF)

“…Cryopreservation of mature oocytes is a technique used to preserve the reproductive capacity, but the process uses temperatures as low as − 196 °C (liquid nitrogen), which can cause genetic drifts [121]. Several drawbacks remain, including the use of a suitable temperature, a suitable type of CPA and also the correct amount and concentration of CPAs.…”