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Combining Biomimetic Block Copolymer Worms with an Ice‐Inhibiting Polymer for the Solvent‐Free Cryopreservation of Red Blood Cells
Author(s) -
Mitchell Daniel E.,
Lovett Joseph R.,
Armes Steven P.,
Gibson Matthew I.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201511454
Subject(s) - copolymer , hydroxyethyl starch , cryopreservation , polymer , starch , chemistry , dry ice , extracellular matrix , solvent , preservative , polyvinyl alcohol , vinyl alcohol , polymer chemistry , biochemistry , organic chemistry , biology , embryo , microbiology and biotechnology
The first fully synthetic polymer‐based approach for red‐blood‐cell cryopreservation without the need for any (toxic) organic solvents is reported. Highly hydroxylated block copolymer worms are shown to be a suitable replacement for hydroxyethyl starch as a extracellular matrix for red blood cells. When used alone, the worms are not a particularly effective preservative. However, when combined with poly(vinyl alcohol), a known ice‐recrystallization inhibitor, a remarkable additive cryopreservative effect is observed that matches the performance of hydroxyethyl starch. Moreover, these block copolymer worms enable post‐thaw gelation by simply warming to 20 °C. This approach offers a new solution for both the storage and transport of red blood cells and also a convenient matrix for subsequent 3D cell cultures.