Synthetic Cryoprotectant Composition for Contamination-Free Cell Freezing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cryopreservation methods using albumin as a cryoprotectant risk biological contamination, necessitating an improved method for effective cell cryoprotection.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of polyalkylene glycol modified with a copolymer containing a polyvinylcaprolactam block and a polyvinylacetate block in the cryopreservation composition to replace albumin, enhancing cryoprotection without contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If albumin is added to the composition to enhance cryoprotective effect, then cell viability after thawing is improved, but risk of biological contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell viabilityVSAvoidbiological contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces albumin with a synthetic polymer composition that can be produced without biological contamination risks. The copolymer system provides comparable cryoprotective effects while eliminating the need for protein-based materials that carry contamination risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite polymer system comprising polyvinylcaprolactam and polyvinylacetate blocks to achieve cryoprotection. This synthetic composite material replaces the natural protein albumin, providing similar functional benefits without the associated biological contamination risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If DMSO is used as cryoprotectant, then cell viability is maintained, but toxicity to cells occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell viabilityVSAvoidcell toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the cryoprotectant by using a copolymer system with specific block compositions and molecular weight ranges. This changes the physical and chemical properties compared to DMSO, reducing toxicity while maintaining cryoprotective efficacy through controlled polymer architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The copolymer composition acts as an intermediary substance that provides cryoprotection through a different mechanism than DMSO. The polyvinylcaprolactam and polyvinylacetate blocks work together to protect cells during freezing and thawing without the direct toxic effects of DMSO on cell membranes and intracellular components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Achieves effective cryoprotection of cells with improved recovery rates post-thawing, surpassing 70% viability as recommended by FDA guidelines, while avoiding biological contamination.

Implementation Method 1

the addition of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) and albumin to the composition has been reported to enhance the cryoprotective effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCryoprotection:

Implementation Method 2

a freezing step of freezing a mixture comprising polyalkylene glycol modified with a copolymer containing a polyvinylcaprolactam block and a polyvinylacetate block and cells to generate frozen cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFreezing: Freezing

Data Source

PatentEP4682241A1Cryoprotection of cells

Publication Date: 2026.01.21 CELAID THERAPEUTICS INC

Figure 1

AI summary

The present invention uses a composition for use in cell cryoprotection containing polyalkylene glycol modified with a copolymer containing a polyvinylcaprolactam block and a polyvinylacetate block. A method of producing cells may be utilized, wherein the method includes a freezing step of freezing a mixture comprising polyalkylene glycol modified with a copolymer containing a polyvinylcaprolactam block and a polyvinylacetate block and cells to generate frozen cells.