Kriokonservatsioon

Kriokonservatsioon, also known as cryopreservation, is a process by which biological materials are preserved by cooling them to very low temperatures, typically below -130 °C. At these temperatures, biological activity, including the biochemical reactions that lead to decomposition, effectively stops. The most common method involves cooling samples in a cryoprotective agent, which prevents the formation of damaging ice crystals within the cells.

The applications of kriokonservatsioon are diverse and expanding. It is widely used in fertility treatments for the long-term storage of sperm, eggs, and embryos. In scientific research, it allows for the preservation of cell lines, tissues, and microorganisms for future study. Kriokonservatsioon also plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, enabling the storage of genetic material from endangered species, such as seeds, sperm, and eggs, to maintain biodiversity. Advanced applications are being explored in areas like organ preservation for transplantation and even the theoretical concept of whole-body cryopreservation, though the latter remains highly speculative and unproven. The success of kriokonservatsioon depends on careful control of cooling and warming rates, as well as the selection of appropriate cryoprotective agents to minimize cellular damage.