Cell Stabilization Using Dehydration Formulations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for long-term storage of eukaryotic cells require ultra-cold temperatures and toxic cryoprotectants, and existing attempts at ambient temperature storage have failed to achieve viable cell survival upon rehydration, with previous dry storage methods resulting in complete cell death within minutes.
Innovation Solution
A dehydration formulation comprising specific combinations of amino acids, chelating agents, and apoptosis inhibitors, such as 100 mM Alanine-Glutamine, 5 mM EDTA, 10 mM Tris-HCl, and 1% PVA, is used to maintain cells in a viable state during dry storage at ambient temperatures, blocking apoptosis pathways and preserving cellular integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If ultra-cold temperatures and toxic cryoprotectants are used for long-term storage, then cell storage duration is extended, but cell toxicity and recovery viability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the storage temperature parameter from ultra-cold to ambient temperature, and changes the chemical composition parameter by using non-toxic compounds (amino acids, sugars, polymers) instead of toxic cryoprotectants like DMSO. This resolves the contradiction by achieving both extended storage duration and reduced toxicity through fundamental parameter changes in the storage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses readily available, non-toxic, biocompatible compounds (amino acids, sugars, polymers) that can be easily discarded after use, replacing expensive and toxic cryoprotectants. These simple compounds provide sufficient protection for the intended storage duration without the harmful effects of traditional cryoprotectants.
2Ease of operation
If dry storage at ambient temperature is attempted, then storage simplicity and shipping time are improved, but cell viability is worsened due to complete cell death upon rehydration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-treating cells with a protective composition containing amino acids, sugars, and polymers before dehydration. This pre-protection enables the cells to withstand the stress of drying and rehydration, resolving the contradiction between storage simplicity and cell viability by preparing the cells in advance for the harsh drying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite protective composition containing multiple components (amino acids like alanine and glutamine, sugars like trehalose, and polymers like PVA) that work synergistically to protect cells during dry storage. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by providing multi-layered protection that maintains cell viability while enabling simple ambient temperature storage.
3Reliability
If trehalose is used as a drying medium, then some cell stabilization is achieved, but cell survival is limited and complete cell death occurs after minutes of storage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges trehalose with amino acids (alanine, glutamine, proline) and polymers (PVA, HES, PEG) to create a synergistic protective system. This combination resolves the contradiction by extending storage time beyond what trehalose alone can achieve, while maintaining cell stabilization during the drying process through the combined protective effects of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite protective formulation that combines trehalose with amino acids and polymers in specific concentrations. This composite material provides enhanced and extended protection compared to trehalose alone, resolving the contradiction between stabilization quality and storage duration by leveraging the complementary protective mechanisms of each component.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If cells are stored frozen, then long-term storage is achieved, but recovery of viable cells is challenging with only a small fraction surviving
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the storage temperature parameter from frozen to ambient temperature, eliminating the need for complex freezing and thawing processes. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by achieving both long-term storage capability and high recovery viability through a gentler storage approach that avoids freeze-thaw damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simple, non-toxic, biocompatible compounds that can be easily applied and discarded, replacing complex cryoprotectant systems. These simple protective agents maintain cell viability during ambient storage and enable high recovery rates without the damaging effects of freezing, resolving the contradiction between storage duration and recovery viability.
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 formulations allow cells to retain viability and functional properties for at least one hour after rehydration, significantly extending the time available for storage and shipping without refrigeration or lyophilization.
Implementation Method 1
A dehydration formulation comprising specific combinations of amino acids, chelating agents, and apoptosis inhibitors, such as 100 mM Alanine-Glutamine, 5 mM EDTA, 10 mM Tris-HCl, and 1% PVA, is used to maintain cells in a viable state during dry storage at ambient temperatures, blocking apoptosis pathways and preserving cellular integrity.
Implementation Method 2
A dehydration formulation comprising specific combinations of amino acids, chelating agents, and apoptosis inhibitors, such as 100 mM Alanine-Glutamine, 5 mM EDTA, 10 mM Tris-HCl, and 1% PVA
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to stabilization of cells at ambient temperatures. More particularly, the present invention relates to formulations, compositions, kits and methods that allow dehydration and rehydration of cells and dramatically increased recovery of functional cells after dry storage at room temperature.