cryoprotektortoxicitás

Cryoprotectant toxicity refers to the harmful effects that cryoprotective agents (CPAs) can have on cells and tissues when used for cryopreservation. CPAs are substances like glycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and ethylene glycol that are added to biological samples to prevent ice crystal formation during freezing. While essential for protecting cells from damage caused by ice, CPAs themselves can be toxic at certain concentrations or during prolonged exposure.

The toxicity of CPAs can manifest in several ways. They can disrupt cell membranes, leading to leakage of intracellular components. CPAs can also interfere with cellular metabolism and enzyme function. Furthermore, changes in osmotic pressure caused by the addition and subsequent removal of CPAs can lead to cell swelling or shrinkage, potentially causing mechanical stress and damage. The specific type of CPA, its concentration, the duration of exposure, and the type of cell or tissue being preserved all influence the degree of toxicity.

Strategies to mitigate cryoprotectant toxicity include optimizing CPA concentrations and exposure times, using mixtures of CPAs to achieve lower individual concentrations, and employing rapid warming techniques to minimize the time cells spend in contact with the CPA. Research continues to focus on developing less toxic CPAs and improving cryopreservation protocols to maximize cell viability while minimizing CPA-induced damage.