Ice structuring proteins - a new name for antifreeze proteins.
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) have been reported in the academic literature for many years, and are increasingly arousing interest in the technical and popular media, particularly because of their potential applications. However, the term "antifreeze" does not always accurately describe their natural function, or their application in frozen systems, where they do not prevent freezing, but control the size, shape and aggregation of ice crystals. We survey the properties and applications of AFPs and propose a more generally applicable name based on the fact that all AFPs bind to ice and consequently influence crystal growth and interactions: "Ice Structuring Proteins".
Clarke
Chris J
CJ
Unilever, Colworth House, Sharnbrook, Beds, MK44 1LQ, UK.
Buckley
Sarah L
SL
Lindner
Nigel
N
D000818:Animals; D021301:Antifreeze Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D015925:Cryopreservation; D005519:Food Preservation; D005615:Freezing; D006801:Humans; D007053:Ice; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014021:Tissue Preservation
D021301:Antifreeze Proteins; D007053:Ice