Cryoprotective Polysaccharides with Ordered Gel Structures Induce Ice Growth Anticipation and Survival Enhancement during Cell Cryopreservation

Biomacromolecules. 2024 Jun 10;25(6):3384-3397. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00040. Epub 2024 May 13.

Abstract

This work cross-correlated rheological, thermodynamic, and conformational features of several natural polysaccharides to their cryoprotective performance. The basis of cryoprotection of FucoPol, pectin, and agar revealed a causal combination of (i) an emerging sol-gel transition (p = 0.014) at near-hypothermia (4 °C), (ii) noncolligative attenuated supercooling of the kinetic freezing point of water (p = 0.026) supporting ice growth anticipation, and (iii) increased conformational order (p < 0.0001), where helix-/sheet-like features boost cryoprotection. FucoPol, of highest cryoprotective performance, revealed a predominantly helical structure (α/β = 1.5) capable of forming a gel state at 4 °C and the highest degree of supercooling attenuation (TH = 6.2 °C). Ice growth anticipation with gel-like polysaccharides suggests that the gel matrix neutralizes elastic deformations and lethal cell volumetric fluctuations during freezing, thus preventing the loss of homeostasis and increasing post-thaw viability. Ultimately, structured gels capable of attenuated supercooling enable cryoprotective action at the polymer-cell interface, in addition to polymer-ice interactions. This rationale potentiates implementing alternative, biobased, noncytotoxic polymers in cryobiology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Survival* / drug effects
  • Cryopreservation* / methods
  • Cryoprotective Agents* / chemistry
  • Cryoprotective Agents* / pharmacology
  • Freezing
  • Gels / chemistry
  • Ice
  • Pectins / chemistry
  • Pectins / pharmacology
  • Phase Transition
  • Polysaccharides* / chemistry
  • Polysaccharides* / pharmacology

Substances

  • Cryoprotective Agents
  • Polysaccharides
  • Ice
  • Gels
  • Pectins