title: A ferromagnetic model for the action of electric and magnetic fields in cryopreservation.
abstract: Recent discussions in the literature have questioned the ability of electromagnetic exposure to inhibit ice crystal formation in supercooled water. Here we note that strong electric fields are able to disrupt the surface boundary layer of inert air on the surface of materials, promoting higher rates of heat transport. We also note that most biological tissues contain ferromagnetic materials, both biologically precipitated magnetite (Fe3O4) as well as environmental contaminants that get accidentally incorporated into living systems. Although present at trace levels, the number density of these particulates is high, and they have extraordinarily strong interactions with weak, low-frequency magnetic fields of the sort involved in claims of electromagnetic cryopreservation. Magnetically-induced mechanical oscillation of these particles provides a plausible mechanism for the disruption of ice-crystal nucleation in supercooled water.
authors: Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 IE-31, Ookayama, Meguro, Tokyo 152-8551, Japan. Electronic address: kobayashi.a.an@m.titech.ac.jp.
authors: Atsuko
authors: A
authors: Kobayashi
authors: Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology 170-25, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
authors: Joseph L
authors: JL
authors: Kirschvink
mesh_terms: D015925:Cryopreservation; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D055590:Electromagnetic Phenomena; D005615:Freezing; D007053:Ice
chemical_list: D007053:Ice
keywords: Biogenic magnetite; Electric field; Freezing; Ice formation; Magnetic field; Supercooling