Life on ice

The use of chemical concoctions containing ‘cryoprotectants’ enabled cells to survive indefinitely in sub-zero. Researchers across the life sciences were able to bank and ship the cells they used in their studies, develop regenerative treatments for diseases like cancer based on stem cells and even preserve the tissues of endangered animals for the future. But experts have still to fully solve the problems they meet with when trying to put life on ice – problems with how and where ice forms, the toxicity of the chemicals they have to use to stop it, and heating everything back up again safely. Until now, these problems have kept long-anticipated applications like organ banking out of reach, although solutions may be on the horizon.

The central problem of cryopreservation is ice. Ice crystals cause damage that can be lethal for cells.