What is cryoprotectants?

Cryoprotectants are chemicals that are used to protect cells and tissues from damage during freezing. They work by reducing the amount of ice that forms in cells during freezing, which helps to minimize damage to cell structures and prevent the formation of ice crystals that can rupture cells.

Cryoprotectants can be used in a variety of applications, including cryopreservation of tissues and organs for transplantation, preservation of sperm and embryos for fertility treatments, and preservation of cell cultures for research purposes.

Common cryoprotectants include glycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol. These chemicals are typically added to tissues or cells in controlled amounts prior to freezing to minimize damage during the freezing process.

However, cryoprotectants can also be toxic at high concentrations, so careful monitoring of their use is important to ensure that they are effective without causing harm to the cells or tissues being preserved.