Concave Gold Nanostructures for Ice Recrystallization Inhibition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryoprotective agents used for organ and tissue preservation are either toxic at high concentrations, ineffective in controlling ice crystal formation within cells, or excessively expensive, leading to limited organ availability and increased organ trafficking due to inadequate preservation methods.
Innovation Solution
The use of Au nanostructures with concave surfaces, which inhibit ice growth by forming a liquid water layer on contact, preventing ice recrystallization and maintaining small ice crystal sizes, thereby enhancing the preservation of cells, tissues, and food by minimizing texture loss during freezing and thawing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high concentration of permeable CPAs (60% or more) is used to reduce or inhibit ice crystal growth at storage temperature, then antifreezing effect is improved, but tissue toxicity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a novel class of CPA compounds that act as intermediaries between the need for ice inhibition and tissue compatibility. These compounds achieve antifreezing effects through a different mechanism than traditional permeable CPAs, allowing effective ice crystal growth inhibition at lower concentrations that are non-toxic to tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the concentration parameter from the traditional 60% or higher requirement down to a much lower range (0.1-10 mM), fundamentally altering the dosage parameters while maintaining or improving antifreezing efficacy through a novel mechanism of action that does not require high concentrations.
2Reliability
If synthetic polymer CPAs are used to control extracellular ice formation, then ice crystal formation is inhibited, but cell membrane penetration is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates compounds with specific local properties that allow them to interact with both extracellular and intracellular environments. The molecular structure is designed to provide the necessary interactions for extracellular ice control while simultaneously enabling cell membrane penetration, creating a dual-functional agent.
3Reliability
If cryoprotective proteins are used to prevent ice formation, then antifreezing effect is improved, but cost and purity become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, difficult-to-purify cryoprotective proteins with small molecule compounds that are chemically synthesizable, stable, and do not require complex purification processes. These small molecules provide comparable or superior antifreezing effects without the manufacturing challenges of protein-based CPAs.
4Reliability
If limited preservation time (6-12 hours) is maintained with current methods, then organ quality is preserved, but distribution distance is limited to local areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the novel CPA composition to organs immediately after harvest to establish optimal cryoprotection before any preservation or transport process begins. This preliminary treatment ensures that the organ is protected from the outset, enabling extended preservation times and distances without compromising quality.
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 Au nanostructures effectively prevent ice recrystallization, reducing cell and tissue damage during freezing and thawing, and maintaining food texture, thus addressing the limitations of existing cryoprotective agents by providing a non-toxic and efficient antifreezing solution.
Implementation Method 1
Au nanostructures with concave surfaces, which inhibit ice growth by forming a liquid water layer on contact
Implementation Method 2
inhibit ice growth by forming a liquid water layer on contact, preventing ice recrystallization and maintaining small ice crystal sizes
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a composition for antifreezing including a gold (Au) nanostructure in which at least a portion thereof is concave, thereby it is possible to increase a survival rate of cells due to having excellent effect of inhibiting ice recrystallization when cryopreservation of the cells, and maintain a texture of food even when using in the freezing of food.