Aqueous Cell Preservation Solution Using DMSO and Methyl Cellulose
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell preservation methods, such as slow freezing and vitrification, face challenges in minimizing cell damage and maintaining viability during cryopreservation and thawing, with existing media often resulting in low cell growth or slow growth rates after thawing.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous solution comprising potassium chloride, potassium phosphate, sodium chloride, glucose, ascorbic acid, cysteine, glutathione, methyl cellulose, and dimethylsulfoxide, used for slow freezing methods to preserve mammalian cells, which helps in minimizing ice crystal formation and maintaining cell viability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slow freezing is used for cell preservation, then cell viability is maintained, but ice crystal formation damages cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a specialized freezing medium containing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a cryoprotectant and methyl cellulose as a viscosity modifier. This intermediary substance between the cells and freezing environment prevents ice crystal formation by altering the freezing dynamics and protecting cell membranes during the phase transition, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining viability and preventing ice damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the freezing process by controlling the viscosity of the freezing medium through methyl cellulose concentration and adjusting the cooling rate. By changing these parameters, the medium achieves optimal properties that prevent ice crystal formation while maintaining cell viability during slow freezing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vitrification is used for cell preservation, then ice crystal formation is prevented, but cell damage occurs due to high cryoprotectant content and critical thawing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration and composition parameters of cryoprotectants, using a lower concentration of DMSO combined with methyl cellulose. This parameter modification allows prevention of ice crystal formation while reducing the toxicity and criticality of the thawing process, thereby maintaining higher cell viability compared to traditional vitrification methods.
3Stability of the object's composition
If controlled rate slow-freezing is used, then freezing process can be standardized and logged, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces methyl cellulose as an intermediary substance that modifies the freezing medium's properties to achieve more uniform and predictable freezing behavior. This allows standardization of the freezing process with less complex equipment, as the medium itself contributes to controlling the freezing dynamics, reducing reliance on highly complex controlled-rate freezers.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively preserves mammalian cells with minimal loss of vitality and high survival rates during freezing and thawing, optimizing the cryopreservation process by reducing damage from ice crystals and ensuring better cell functionality post-thawing.
Implementation Method 1
The aqueous solution according to the invention further comprises dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)... helps in minimizing ice crystal formation and maintaining cell viability
Implementation Method 2
The aqueous solution according to the invention further comprises methyl cellulose... optimizing the cryopreservation process by reducing damage from ice crystals
Implementation Method 3
The aqueous solution according to the invention comprises ascorbic acid, cysteine, glutathione... ensuring better cell functionality post-thawing
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an aqueous solution for cell preservation of preferably mammalian cells, which can be used for cell preservation as a cryoprotectant or as a pharmaceutical product or excipient. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for preserving cells using the aqueous solution for cell preservation, and to a method for defrosting cells which are frozen in the aqueous solution.