Cell Cryopreservation is a process where cells are preserved by cooling to very low sub-zero temperatures (typically -130°C or below) using liquid nitrogen. At these low temperatures, any biological activity, including chemical reactions that lead to cell death, is effectively stopped. When desired, the frozen cells can be revived by rapidly thawing them while adding a cryoprotective agent, restoring cellular functions. This allows the long-term storage of living cells and tissues at ultra-low temperatures.

Need for Cell Cryopreservation

There are several important applications that rely on cell cryopreservation technology. For biomedical research purposes, cryopreservation allows stable storage of valuable cell lines, stem cells, microorganisms and other cell types at low cost for extended periods of time. Cell banks created through Cell cryopreservation serve as an invaluable resource for researchers. In reproductive medicine and fertility treatments, sperm, oocyte and embryo cryopreservation provides an effective way to preserve fertility potential. Cryopreservation is crucial for performing stem cell transplants by allowing immediate availability of stem cell stocks. Tissue and organ transplantation also benefits from cryopreservation by facilitating long-distance transportation under stable conditions.

Cryoinjury During Freezing and Thawing

The cryopreservation process subjects living cells to physical and chemical stresses that can damage their structure and function. During the freezing stage, intracellular ice formation within cells occurs as water crystallizes. This can damage membranes and organelles through crystallization and osmotic effects. In addition, the concentration of solutes in the unfrozen fraction increases dramatically, posing osmotic and toxic stresses on cells. During thawing, intracellular ice melts rapidly leading to sharp osmotic changes, which also induce physical injury. This cumulative damage due to freezing and thawing is called "cryoinjury". It is influenced by the rate of cooling/warming and composition of the cryoprotective medium. Overcoming cryoinjury is key to achieving high post-thaw viability of cells.

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