Optimization of Zwitterionic Polymers for Cell Cryopreservation

Abstract

Cryopreservation techniques are valuable for the preservation of genetic properties in cells, and the development of this technology contributes to various fields In a previous study, we reported an isotonic freezing medium composed of poly(zwitterion) (polyZI), which alleviates osmotic shock, unlike typical hypertonic freezing media. In this study, we optimized the primitive freezing medium composed of emerging polyZI. Imidazolium/carboxylate‐type polyZI (VimC3C) was the optimal chemical structure. The molecular weight and degree of ion substitution (DSion) were not significant factors. There is an impediment with the primitive polyZI freezing media. While the polyZI forms a matrix around the cell membrane to protect cells, but the matrix is difficult to remove after thawing, resulting in low cell proliferation. Unexpectedly, increasing the poly(VimC3C) concentration from 10% to 20% (w/v) improved cell proliferation. The optimized freezing medium, 20% (w/v) poly(VimC3C)_DSion(100%) / 1% (w/v) NaCl aqueous solution, exhibited a better cryoprotective effect.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved