Krüosäilitamine

Krüosäilitamine, 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, is effectively halted. This allows for the long-term storage of cells, tissues, organs, and even whole organisms.

The most common method of krüosäilitamine involves the use of cryoprotective agents. These are substances that prevent the formation of ice crystals within cells, which can cause irreparable damage. Common cryoprotectants include glycerol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The biological material is first mixed with a cryoprotective solution and then cooled gradually to a target temperature, often in liquid nitrogen.

Krüosäilitamine has numerous applications across various fields. In medicine, it is used to preserve sperm, eggs, and embryos for fertility treatments, as well as to store blood products and stem cells for transplantation. In research, it is essential for maintaining cell lines and preserving precious biological samples for future study. Conservation efforts also utilize krüosäilitamine to safeguard the genetic diversity of endangered species by storing their reproductive cells or tissues. While the technology has advanced significantly, challenges remain in achieving successful long-term preservation of complex structures like whole organs without loss of function.