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Synthetic polymers which reproduce antifreeze (glyco)protein function; control of ice growth and cryopreservation of donor cells

Matthew Gibson1
  • 1 University of Warwick, Department of Chemistry, United Kingdom

With an ever-ageing population in the Western world, the need for regenerative medicine, especially transplantation is increasing, but the number of donors remains static. Therefore improved storage methods for cells/tissues/organs is urgently required to overcome their limited shelf-life. Antifreeze glycoproteins (AFGPs) from polar fish slow ice crystal growth and may find application in cryopreservation, but are limited by their extremely high costs, challenging synthesis and potential toxicity. To address this, we have developed synthetic polymers which can reproduce the desirable properties of AFGPs, without the side effects, at lower cost. We have recently demonstrated that synthetic polymers designed to inhibit ice recrystallisation (growth) improve the cryopreservation of red blood cells without the need for any  organic solvents (traditional method).

References:
[1] Deller, R.C., Vatish, M., Mitchell, D.A., Gibson, M.I., Nature Communications, 2014, 5, 3244
[2] Congdon, TC, Notman, R., Gibson, MI, Biomacromolecules, 2013, 14, 1578
[3] Deller, RC, Vatish, M, Mitchel, D., Gibson, MI., 2015. ACS Biomaterials Science and Enginneering. DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.5b00162
[4] Mitchell, DE., Cameron, NR., Gibson, MI, Chemical Communications 2015, 51, 12977-12980

Keywords: cell, polymer, Crystal growth

Conference: 10th World Biomaterials Congress, Montréal, Canada, 17 May - 22 May, 2016.

Presentation Type: Poster

Topic: Biomimetic materials

Citation: Gibson M (2016). Synthetic polymers which reproduce antifreeze (glyco)protein function; control of ice growth and cryopreservation of donor cells. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. Conference Abstract: 10th World Biomaterials Congress. doi: 10.3389/conf.FBIOE.2016.01.01071

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Received: 27 Mar 2016; Published Online: 30 Mar 2016.