Project 01

Cryopreservation of cells to understand the effects of ultra- low temperatures on the cytoskeleton of cellular membranes:

In this study it is envisaged to understand the molecular basis of the differential changes that occur during subject to ultra-low temperatures. Among many uses, these temperatures are necessary for storage of cells, like ovum, during IVF treatments, and also for storage of germplasm for future use.

However, it has been observed that significant level of cell death occurs in the first 24 to 48 hours post-thaw as a result of delayed apoptotic and necrotic events, a phenomenon termed as cryopreservation- induced delayed- onset cell death [CIDOCD]. Thus, we aim to understand the molecular mechanism of water crystallization in order to maintain maximum cell viability during processing.

Ice crystal structures in a sucrose model solution with the addition of different AFPIII-concentrations (antifreeze protein) after 70 hours storing time, storing temperature: -8 °C (source: Chemie Ingenieur Technik 2004, 76, no. 4, Volker Gaukel and Walter E.L. Spieß)