title: Combining Biomimetic Block Copolymer Worms with an Ice-Inhibiting Polymer for the Solvent-Free Cryopreservation of Red Blood Cells.
abstract: The first fully synthetic polymer-based approach for red-blood-cell cryopreservation without the need for any (toxic) organic solvents is reported. Highly hydroxylated block copolymer worms are shown to be a suitable replacement for hydroxyethyl starch as a extracellular matrix for red blood cells. When used alone, the worms are not a particularly effective preservative. However, when combined with poly(vinyl alcohol), a known ice-recrystallization inhibitor, a remarkable additive cryopreservative effect is observed that matches the performance of hydroxyethyl starch. Moreover, these block copolymer worms enable post-thaw gelation by simply warming to 20 °C. This approach offers a new solution for both the storage and transport of red blood cells and also a convenient matrix for subsequent 3D cell cultures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry, CV4 7Al, UK.
authors.forename: Daniel E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S3 7HF, UK.
authors.forename: Joseph R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Lovett
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S3 7HF, UK.
authors.forename: Steven P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Armes
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry, CV4 7Al, UK. m.i.gibson@warwick.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Matthew I
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8297-1278
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Gibson
mesh_terms: D032701:Biomimetics; D015925:Cryopreservation; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers; D012997:Solvents
keywords: biomaterials; block copolymers; cryopreservation; micelles; polymers
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