Small molecule ice recrystallization inhibitors enable freezing of human red blood cells with reduced glycerol concentrations.

ABSTRACT: In North America, red blood cells (RBCs) are cryopreserved in a clinical setting using high glycerol concentrations (40% w/v) with slow cooling rates (~1°C/min) prior to storage at -80°C, while European protocols use reduced glycerol concentrations with rapid freezing rates. After thawing and prior to transfusion, glycerol must be removed to avoid intravascular hemolysis. This is a time consuming process requiring specialized equipment. Small molecule ice recrystallization inhibitors (IRIs) such as ?-PMP-Glc and ?-pBrPh-Glc have the ability to prevent ice recrystallization, a process that contributes to cellular injury and decreased cell viability after cryopreservation. Herein, we report that addition of 110?mM ?-PMP-Glc or 30?mM ?-pBrPh-Glc to a 15% glycerol solution increases post-thaw RBC integrity by 30-50% using slow cooling rates and emphasize the potential of small molecule IRIs for the preservation of cells.

SUBMITTER: Capicciotti CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4389209 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature