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Polymeric cryoproteetants in the preservation of biological ultrastructure
Author(s) -
Franks Felix,
Asquith M. H.,
Hammond Catherine C.,
Skaer Helen le B.,
Echlin Patrick
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
journal of microscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.569
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1365-2818
pISSN - 0022-2720
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2818.1977.tb00034.x
Subject(s) - devitrification , differential scanning calorimetry , aqueous solution , polyvinylpyrrolidone , cryoprotectant , polymer , chemical engineering , materials science , recrystallization (geology) , polymer chemistry , chemistry , cryopreservation , crystallization , composite material , organic chemistry , thermodynamics , paleontology , physics , biology , engineering , embryo , microbiology and biotechnology
SUMMARY The solid states formed by vitrified and frozen aqueous solutions of some hydrophilic polymers, able to act as biological cryoproteetants, have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry and freeze fracture electron microscopy. Glass transitions, devitrification, recrystallization and melting behaviour of aqueous solutions of polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxyethyl starch and dextran have been established. The vitrified polymer solutions exhibit a characteristic microspherical morphology which is not induced by the quench cooling process but is an inherent feature of the solutions themselves.