title: Electric and magnetic fields in cryopreservation.
abstract: Electromagnetic warming has a long history in cryobiology as a preferred method for recovering large tissue masses from cryopreservation, especially from cryopreservation by vitrification. It is less well-known that electromagnetic fields may be able to influence ice formation during cryopreservation by non-thermal mechanisms. Both theory and published data suggest that static and oscillating electric fields can respectively promote or inhibit ice formation under certain conditions. Evidence is less persuasive for magnetic fields. Recent claims that static magnetic fields smaller than 1 mT can improve cryopreservation by freezing are specifically questioned.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wowk
mesh_terms: D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods*; D003451:Cryoprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D006801:Humans; D008280:Magnetics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010513:Periodontal Ligament / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D014015:Tissue Banks
chemical_list: D003451:Cryoprotective Agents