A novel platform technology in cryopreservation

This study will examine the feasibility of combining two cryopreservation technologies: protein biosensors that change colour on the formation of damaging ice-crystals and polymers with lower toxic side effects than those of the industry standard cryopreservative, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The co-utilization of these two technologies will facilitate improvements both in cold chain supply management and patient safety, simultaneously reducing the risk of spoilage pre-administration and dangerous side-effects post-administration. What is innovative about this idea is that it will allow the creation of a novel platform technology in cryopreservation based on customized reagents in vessels of uniform design: at the present time, cryopreservatives, temperature sensors and packaging materials are sub-optimal, lack standardization and are used as discrete entities rather than optimized units of a cohesive system possessing a functional utility greater that that of its component parts.