Isothermal desiccation and vitrification kinetics of trehalose-dextran solutions.
The promise of dried state preservation is based on the hypothesis that lowering molecular mobility to halt chemical reaction and deterioration rates is the primary factor for the long-term stability of the dried specimen. In this research, the feasibility of utilizing isothermal, isobaric vitrification as an economical alternative to the preservation technologies currently in use (mainly, cryopreservation and lyophilization) is explored. Desiccation and vitrification kinetics of model trehalose and trehalose-dextran systems were examined using gravimetric analysis, modulated differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray crystallography. It was shown that vitrification can be achieved isothermally without crystallization and that vitrification of trehalose solutions can be significantly accelerated by incorporating high-molecular-weight dextrans. Additionally, it was shown that, for the same water content, the glass transition temperature of the trehalose-dextran solution is significantly higher than that of the binary trehalose solution, making the glassy state achievable and storage feasible.
Center for Engineering in Medicine and Department of Surgical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. aaksan@hms.harvard.edu
Alptekin
A
Aksan
Mehmet
M
Toner
D002152:Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; D003460:Crystallization; D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray; D003890:Desiccation; D003911:Dextrans / Q000737:chemistry*; D007700:Kinetics; D044367:Phase Transition; D011309:Preservation, Biological; D012996:Solutions / Q000737:chemistry; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013696:Temperature; D014199:Trehalose / Q000737:chemistry*
D003911:Dextrans; D012996:Solutions; D014199:Trehalose