Pub Date : 2025-12-23DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105571
Mathias Engell Dahl Holmstrup , Johannes Overgaard , Stine Slotsbo
Enchytraeus albidus is a freeze-tolerant oligochaete with potential for long-term cryopreservation storage as live feed in aquaculture. In this study, we measured the metabolic rate (MR) of E. albidus across a range of temperatures (+20 to −14 °C) in both unfrozen and frozen states using intermittent flow-through CO2 respirometry. Our results demonstrate an exponential decrease in MR with declining temperature, and a markedly steeper decline below the freezing point of body fluids. Frozen worms exhibited a Q10 of 24.1, in contrast to 2.2 in unfrozen worms, indicating significant metabolic depression associated with freezing. We argue that this depression is strongly correlated with intracellular osmolality, which increases due to freeze-induced dehydration. Theoretical calculations based on MR data suggest that glycogen stores could support frozen aerobic metabolism for up to 3–4 months at −14 °C, aligning with overwinter survival observed in Arctic populations. These findings indicate that E. albidus primarily relies on aerobic metabolism when frozen and highlight its suitability for long-term storage as live feed under moderate freezing conditions. Our results provide valuable physiological knowledge for optimizing industrial cryopreservation strategies to balance survival and shelf-life in freeze-tolerant invertebrates.
{"title":"Temperature-metabolism relationships above and below the body fluid freezing point in the freeze-tolerant white worm, Enchytraeus albidus","authors":"Mathias Engell Dahl Holmstrup , Johannes Overgaard , Stine Slotsbo","doi":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105571","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105571","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Enchytraeus albidus</em> is a freeze-tolerant oligochaete with potential for long-term cryopreservation storage as live feed in aquaculture. In this study, we measured the metabolic rate (MR) of <em>E. albidus</em> across a range of temperatures (+20 to −14 °C) in both unfrozen and frozen states using intermittent flow-through CO<sub>2</sub> respirometry. Our results demonstrate an exponential decrease in MR with declining temperature, and a markedly steeper decline below the freezing point of body fluids. Frozen worms exhibited a Q<sub>10</sub> of 24.1, in contrast to 2.2 in unfrozen worms, indicating significant metabolic depression associated with freezing. We argue that this depression is strongly correlated with intracellular osmolality, which increases due to freeze-induced dehydration. Theoretical calculations based on MR data suggest that glycogen stores could support frozen aerobic metabolism for up to 3–4 months at −14 °C, aligning with overwinter survival observed in Arctic populations. These findings indicate that <em>E. albidus</em> primarily relies on aerobic metabolism when frozen and highlight its suitability for long-term storage as live feed under moderate freezing conditions. Our results provide valuable physiological knowledge for optimizing industrial cryopreservation strategies to balance survival and shelf-life in freeze-tolerant invertebrates.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10897,"journal":{"name":"Cryobiology","volume":"122 ","pages":"Article 105571"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145827147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-22DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105563
Elham Ashrafi , Janet A.W. Elliott
Mouse cardiac endothelial cells play a critical role in cardiovascular research and disease; hence, high quality cryopreservation of this cell type is necessary to provide on-demand access to the cells, quality control, and consistent outcomes between different experiments and batches. However, the cryopreservation of cardiac endothelial cells has not been studied as much as other endothelial cells. The objective of this study was to characterize the cryobiological response of an immortalized line of mouse cardiac endothelial cells in suspension using an interrupted slow cooling approach (graded freezing) and to validate cryopreservation protocols that provide high post-thaw viability and function. Three different cryopreservation protocols were validated using different cryoprotectant solutions: i) 10 % dimethyl sulfoxide + 90 % fetal bovine serum, ii) 5 % dimethyl sulfoxide + 6 % hydroxyethyl starch in complete growth medium, and iii) 10 % glycerol in complete growth medium; all three protocols resulted in high post-thaw membrane integrity assessed using dual fluorescent dye Syto13/GelRed. Two functional assays: i) tube forming on Matrigel representing angiogenesis and ii) nitric oxide synthesis using DAF-FM (4-amino-5-methylamino-2′,7′-difluorofluorescein) fluorescent dye revealed that cryopreserved cells retained comparable post-thaw function to non-cryopreserved cells. This study provides practical insight into successful cryopreservation of mouse cardiac endothelial cells.
{"title":"Characterizing the cryobiological response of a mouse cardiac endothelial cell line to interrupted slow cooling (graded freezing)","authors":"Elham Ashrafi , Janet A.W. Elliott","doi":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105563","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105563","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mouse cardiac endothelial cells play a critical role in cardiovascular research and disease; hence, high quality cryopreservation of this cell type is necessary to provide on-demand access to the cells, quality control, and consistent outcomes between different experiments and batches. However, the cryopreservation of cardiac endothelial cells has not been studied as much as other endothelial cells. The objective of this study was to characterize the cryobiological response of an immortalized line of mouse cardiac endothelial cells in suspension using an interrupted slow cooling approach (graded freezing) and to validate cryopreservation protocols that provide high post-thaw viability and function. Three different cryopreservation protocols were validated using different cryoprotectant solutions: <em>i</em>) 10 % dimethyl sulfoxide + 90 % fetal bovine serum, <em>ii</em>) 5 % dimethyl sulfoxide + 6 % hydroxyethyl starch in complete growth medium, and <em>iii</em>) 10 % glycerol in complete growth medium; all three protocols resulted in high post-thaw membrane integrity assessed using dual fluorescent dye Syto13/GelRed. Two functional assays: <em>i</em>) tube forming on Matrigel representing angiogenesis and <em>ii</em>) nitric oxide synthesis using DAF-FM (4-amino-5-methylamino-2′,7′-difluorofluorescein) fluorescent dye revealed that cryopreserved cells retained comparable post-thaw function to non-cryopreserved cells. This study provides practical insight into successful cryopreservation of mouse cardiac endothelial cells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10897,"journal":{"name":"Cryobiology","volume":"122 ","pages":"Article 105563"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145818483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-19DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105573
Elías Segarra Zenteno , Liliana Morocho , Karen Vásquez , Mauricio Duma , Diego A. Galarza
This study investigated the effects of glucose-maltose supplementation in freezing medium on the kinematic, viability, and fertility of Creole rooster spermatozoa. Fifty ejaculates from 10 Creole roosters were obtained in 5 weekly sessions to create 10 heterologous pools. Each pool was extended with Lake-Ravie plus 6 % dimethylacetamide and allocated to: GM1 (0.64 % glucose + 0.33 % maltose), GM2 (0.72 % glucose + 0.17 % maltose), or non-supplemented control. After thawing, the control presented higher motility and beat-cross frequency than GM1 and GM2 (P < 0.05). Viability was greater in GM1 and control than in GM2 (P < 0.05). Crucially, the fertility after artificial insemination of hens with frozen-thawed sperm from the GM1 group was higher (P < 0.05) compared to the non-supplemented group. In conclusion, glucose-maltose supplementation to the freezing medium can improve the viability and fertility of frozen-thawed Creole rooster semen, supporting its use in genetic conservation and breeding programs.
{"title":"Glucose and maltose supplementation in the freezing medium of Creole rooster spermatozoa improves in vivo fertility","authors":"Elías Segarra Zenteno , Liliana Morocho , Karen Vásquez , Mauricio Duma , Diego A. Galarza","doi":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105573","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105573","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the effects of glucose-maltose supplementation in freezing medium on the kinematic, viability, and fertility of Creole rooster spermatozoa. Fifty ejaculates from 10 Creole roosters were obtained in 5 weekly sessions to create 10 heterologous pools. Each pool was extended with Lake-Ravie plus 6 % dimethylacetamide and allocated to: GM1 (0.64 % glucose + 0.33 % maltose), GM2 (0.72 % glucose + 0.17 % maltose), or non-supplemented control. After thawing, the control presented higher motility and beat-cross frequency than GM1 and GM2 (P < 0.05). Viability was greater in GM1 and control than in GM2 (P < 0.05). Crucially, the fertility after artificial insemination of hens with frozen-thawed sperm from the GM1 group was higher (P < 0.05) compared to the non-supplemented group. In conclusion, glucose-maltose supplementation to the freezing medium can improve the viability and fertility of frozen-thawed Creole rooster semen, supporting its use in genetic conservation and breeding programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10897,"journal":{"name":"Cryobiology","volume":"122 ","pages":"Article 105573"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145786511","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-16DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105566
Alexis Theodorou, Karel Pomeisl, Jan Pokorný, Irena Kratochvílová
Hydrophilic membranes are integral components in a wide range of applications, particularly in biological systems, where their negatively charged surfaces resemble those of cell membranes and influence processes such as cryopreservation. This study investigates the relationship between the Exclusion Zone (EZ) near a Nafion membrane and its response to thermal changes. In this context, the EZ denotes an extended interfacial water region adjacent to hydrophilic surface, characterized by physicochemical properties differing from those of bulk water. The present work investigates how cryoprotectants such as polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and trehalose affect the EZ near Nafion surfaces across a range of temperatures, aiming to identify potential links between interfacial hydration and cryoprotective efficiency. Our observations showed that PEG and trehalose exhibit distinct effects on the EZ behavior, with trehalose showing milder suppression of the EZ size compared to PEG at the same concentration. Fluorescent tracking of dansyl-labeled cryoprotectants demonstrated their distribution near the EZ, revealing differential long-range interactions of interfacial water with PEG and trehalose. Herein, we provide the first evidence linking cryoprotectant activity to the EZ behavior, suggesting a role in interfacial water stabilization under cooling, with implications for cryopreservation and membrane-associated processes.
{"title":"Cryoprotectants and dynamics of exclusion zone water","authors":"Alexis Theodorou, Karel Pomeisl, Jan Pokorný, Irena Kratochvílová","doi":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105566","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105566","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hydrophilic membranes are integral components in a wide range of applications, particularly in biological systems, where their negatively charged surfaces resemble those of cell membranes and influence processes such as cryopreservation. This study investigates the relationship between the Exclusion Zone (EZ) near a Nafion membrane and its response to thermal changes. In this context, the EZ denotes an extended interfacial water region adjacent to hydrophilic surface, characterized by physicochemical properties differing from those of bulk water. The present work investigates how cryoprotectants such as polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and trehalose affect the EZ near Nafion surfaces across a range of temperatures, aiming to identify potential links between interfacial hydration and cryoprotective efficiency. Our observations showed that PEG and trehalose exhibit distinct effects on the EZ behavior, with trehalose showing milder suppression of the EZ size compared to PEG at the same concentration. Fluorescent tracking of dansyl-labeled cryoprotectants demonstrated their distribution near the EZ, revealing differential long-range interactions of interfacial water with PEG and trehalose. Herein, we provide the first evidence linking cryoprotectant activity to the EZ behavior, suggesting a role in interfacial water stabilization under cooling, with implications for cryopreservation and membrane-associated processes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10897,"journal":{"name":"Cryobiology","volume":"122 ","pages":"Article 105566"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145773763","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-13DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105568
Merve Deniz Tanrıkulu , Mesut Çevik , Mustafa Numan Bucak , Alper Koçyiğit
Sperm cryopreservation is a cornerstone of assisted reproduction and genetic conservation, yet the freeze-thaw process induces substantial structural and functional damage to spermatozoa. Recent progress in the field has positioned extracellular vesicles (EVs) as potential therapeutic tools, primarily because of their capacity to transport functional biomolecules that help counteract the cellular damage caused by cryopreservation. We then examine the types of cellular and molecular damages encountered during sperm cryopreservation and synthesize current evidence on the protective effects of EVs in this context. Particular attention is given to the mechanisms by which EVs may preserve sperm integrity, including membrane stabilization, antioxidant delivery, and modulation of signaling pathways. Despite encouraging findings, challenges remain, including the standardization of EVs isolation methods, optimal dosing, and delivery strategies. We also discuss the need for mechanism-of-action studies and multi-omics approaches to better understand EV-sperm interactions. Finally, future directions are outlined, including EVs engineering and clinical translation. Overall, EVs emerge as promising modulators in cryobiology, with potential to improve sperm preservation outcomes and fertility restoration strategies. This review offers an in-depth examination of EVs, covering the processes involved in their formation, various strategies employed for their isolation, and the techniques used to assess their properties. It also highlights their sources and functional significance in the male reproductive system.
{"title":"Extracellular vesicles as emerging bioactive modulators in sperm cryopreservation: Mechanisms and therapeutic potentials","authors":"Merve Deniz Tanrıkulu , Mesut Çevik , Mustafa Numan Bucak , Alper Koçyiğit","doi":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105568","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105568","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sperm cryopreservation is a cornerstone of assisted reproduction and genetic conservation, yet the freeze-thaw process induces substantial structural and functional damage to spermatozoa. Recent progress in the field has positioned extracellular vesicles (EVs) as potential therapeutic tools, primarily because of their capacity to transport functional biomolecules that help counteract the cellular damage caused by cryopreservation. We then examine the types of cellular and molecular damages encountered during sperm cryopreservation and synthesize current evidence on the protective effects of EVs in this context. Particular attention is given to the mechanisms by which EVs may preserve sperm integrity, including membrane stabilization, antioxidant delivery, and modulation of signaling pathways. Despite encouraging findings, challenges remain, including the standardization of EVs isolation methods, optimal dosing, and delivery strategies. We also discuss the need for mechanism-of-action studies and multi-omics approaches to better understand EV-sperm interactions. Finally, future directions are outlined, including EVs engineering and clinical translation. Overall, EVs emerge as promising modulators in cryobiology, with potential to improve sperm preservation outcomes and fertility restoration strategies. This review offers an in-depth examination of EVs, covering the processes involved in their formation, various strategies employed for their isolation, and the techniques used to assess their properties. It also highlights their sources and functional significance in the male reproductive system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10897,"journal":{"name":"Cryobiology","volume":"122 ","pages":"Article 105568"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-13DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105569
Leo Lou , Linnea Warburton , Cristina Bilbao-Sainz , Nicholas Jean , Boris Rubinsky
Inspired by the freeze-survival mechanism of the frog Rana sylvatica, we developed a co-axial, self-crosslinking approach to be used when fabricating frozen scaffolds. Soft biomaterial can be fabricated into scaffolds using methods such as Temperature Controlled Cryoprinting (TCC), which uses a freezing plate to freeze the biomaterial as it is extruded. However, it remains a challenge to uniformly crosslink the scaffolds during thawing without them losing their shape. In this paper, we use coaxial printing to generate locally variable phase-transition compositions, mimicking the frog's glucose distribution during freezing, and electrical Joule heating to simulate metabolic heat production. Unlike previous methods, in our novel approach the crosslinker is located already within the frozen scaffold, and there is no need to submerge the scaffold in a bath. Both mathematical modeling and experimental validation confirmed the concept. A finite thawing-diffusion-crosslinking model was developed to analyze parameters such as temperature, thawing interface, concentration, and crosslinking interface. Experimental evaluations, including mechanical testing, heating test, swelling performance and electron microscope, demonstrated that coaxial self-crosslinking enables controlled thawing and crosslinking of frozen scaffolds. Results demonstrated that coaxial TCC self-crosslinking scaffolds are feasible, allowing for a more controlled thawing and crosslinking process in cryoprinted scaffolds.
{"title":"Coaxial temperature controlled cryoprinting: A biomimetic technology inspired by the freezing survival mechanisms of the frog Rana sylvatica","authors":"Leo Lou , Linnea Warburton , Cristina Bilbao-Sainz , Nicholas Jean , Boris Rubinsky","doi":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105569","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105569","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Inspired by the freeze-survival mechanism of the frog <em>Rana sylvatica</em>, we developed a co-axial, self-crosslinking approach to be used when fabricating frozen scaffolds. Soft biomaterial can be fabricated into scaffolds using methods such as Temperature Controlled Cryoprinting (TCC), which uses a freezing plate to freeze the biomaterial as it is extruded. However, it remains a challenge to uniformly crosslink the scaffolds during thawing without them losing their shape. In this paper, we use coaxial printing to generate locally variable phase-transition compositions, mimicking the frog's glucose distribution during freezing, and electrical Joule heating to simulate metabolic heat production. Unlike previous methods, in our novel approach the crosslinker is located already within the frozen scaffold, and there is no need to submerge the scaffold in a bath. Both mathematical modeling and experimental validation confirmed the concept. A finite thawing-diffusion-crosslinking model was developed to analyze parameters such as temperature, thawing interface, concentration, and crosslinking interface. Experimental evaluations, including mechanical testing, heating test, swelling performance and electron microscope, demonstrated that coaxial self-crosslinking enables controlled thawing and crosslinking of frozen scaffolds. Results demonstrated that coaxial TCC self-crosslinking scaffolds are feasible, allowing for a more controlled thawing and crosslinking process in cryoprinted scaffolds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10897,"journal":{"name":"Cryobiology","volume":"122 ","pages":"Article 105569"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cryo-injury has been a standard model used to simulate myocardial infarction (MI), which may induce reproducible myocardial necrosis under controlled conditions. In a Zebrafish (ZF) model of cryoinjury and a high-cholesterol diet (HCD), the study evaluates the preventive effects of sesamin, forskolin, and α-linolenic acid, either alone or in combination, against myocardial infarction with atherosclerosis. Various physiological, biochemical, and histological endpoints were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. A notable recovery of cardiac activity (as measured by ECG) and body weight regulation was observed when comparing the treated groups with the cryo-injured control. Decreased TNF-α and iNOS levels demonstrated effective molecular control of cryoinjury-induced inflammation. An improved lipid balance was also observed through lipid profiling of cardiac tissue and serum, which revealed significant increases in HDL levels and decreases in triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and VLDL. The treatment with a combination of test compounds especially shows good efficacy towards myocardial infarction and the myocardial structure of ZF, followed by atherosclerosis. In our study, the combination effect of sesamin, forskolin, and α-linolenic acid has significant potential for regulating lipid levels, inflammatory markers, and myocardial structure integrity. It can be concluded that the combination treatment of the sesamin, forskolin, and α-linolenic acid may protect the cardiovascular system, and this combination can be used for further preclinical study with a rodent model for cardiovascular disease.
{"title":"Modulation of inflammation of lipid metabolism by sesamin, forskolin, α-linolenic acid, and their combination in a zebrafish model of cryo-injury and high cholesterol diet-induced myocardial infarction, followed by atherosclerosis","authors":"Abu Safana Biswas, Kamsagara Linganna Krishna, Ganavi Bethanagere Ramesha, Pooja Gandharvachari Achar","doi":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105565","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105565","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cryo-injury has been a standard model used to simulate myocardial infarction (MI), which may induce reproducible myocardial necrosis under controlled conditions. In a Zebrafish (ZF) model of cryoinjury and a high-cholesterol diet (HCD), the study evaluates the preventive effects of sesamin, forskolin, and α-linolenic acid, either alone or in combination, against myocardial infarction with atherosclerosis. Various physiological, biochemical, and histological endpoints were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. A notable recovery of cardiac activity (as measured by ECG) and body weight regulation was observed when comparing the treated groups with the cryo-injured control. Decreased TNF-α and iNOS levels demonstrated effective molecular control of cryoinjury-induced inflammation. An improved lipid balance was also observed through lipid profiling of cardiac tissue and serum, which revealed significant increases in HDL levels and decreases in triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and VLDL. The treatment with a combination of test compounds especially shows good efficacy towards myocardial infarction and the myocardial structure of ZF, followed by atherosclerosis. In our study, the combination effect of sesamin, forskolin, and α-linolenic acid has significant potential for regulating lipid levels, inflammatory markers, and myocardial structure integrity. It can be concluded that the combination treatment of the sesamin, forskolin, and α-linolenic acid may protect the cardiovascular system, and this combination can be used for further preclinical study with a rodent model for cardiovascular disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10897,"journal":{"name":"Cryobiology","volume":"122 ","pages":"Article 105565"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105570
Wangjie Sun , Xueqiang Dong , Xian Wang , Pengsong Yuan , Maoqiong Gong
Vitrification-based cryopreservation offers a promising approach for long-term organ storage; however, achieving uniform cooling in large-volume organs remains a significant challenge due to the severe thermal gradients that can induce cracking and ice formation within these organs. Using a high-fidelity 3D finite element model of a porcine heart from MRI data, we systematically investigate how key parameters, including initial cooling temperature, glass-phase cooling rate, convective heat transfer coefficient, cryoprotective agent (CPA) thermal conductivity, and container geometry, impact vitrification performance. Our simulation results reveal that an optimized protocol, with an initial cooling temperature of −10 °C, a glass-phase cooling rate of 1.0 °C·min−1, and a convective heat transfer coefficient of 250 W∙m−2∙°C−1, successfully balances cooling efficiency with thermal uniformity. Under these conditions, the average central cooling rates of both heart tissue and CPA were confirmed to exceed 1.4 °C·min−1, surpassing the critical cooling rate of VS55 + 0.6 M sucrose (<1.0 °C·min−1), while limiting the peak internal temperature difference to below 25.5 °C to minimize thermal stress. Furthermore, we found that enhancing CPA thermal conductivity, reducing its specific heat capacity, and utilizing cylindrical containers significantly improved temperature uniformity and reduced equilibration time. These findings provide critical quantitative insights for optimizing vitrification strategies and establish a robust theoretical foundation for designing safer and more efficient clinical cryopreservation protocols for large organs.
{"title":"Numerical thermal analysis and optimization of vitrification cooling strategies for porcine heart cryopreservation","authors":"Wangjie Sun , Xueqiang Dong , Xian Wang , Pengsong Yuan , Maoqiong Gong","doi":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105570","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105570","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vitrification-based cryopreservation offers a promising approach for long-term organ storage; however, achieving uniform cooling in large-volume organs remains a significant challenge due to the severe thermal gradients that can induce cracking and ice formation within these organs. Using a high-fidelity 3D finite element model of a porcine heart from MRI data, we systematically investigate how key parameters, including initial cooling temperature, glass-phase cooling rate, convective heat transfer coefficient, cryoprotective agent (CPA) thermal conductivity, and container geometry, impact vitrification performance. Our simulation results reveal that an optimized protocol, with an initial cooling temperature of −10 °C, a glass-phase cooling rate of 1.0 °C·min<sup>−1</sup>, and a convective heat transfer coefficient of 250 W∙m<sup>−2</sup>∙°C<sup>−1</sup>, successfully balances cooling efficiency with thermal uniformity. Under these conditions, the average central cooling rates of both heart tissue and CPA were confirmed to exceed 1.4 °C·min<sup>−1</sup>, surpassing the critical cooling rate of VS55 + 0.6 M sucrose (<1.0 °C·min<sup>−1</sup>), while limiting the peak internal temperature difference to below 25.5 °C to minimize thermal stress. Furthermore, we found that enhancing CPA thermal conductivity, reducing its specific heat capacity, and utilizing cylindrical containers significantly improved temperature uniformity and reduced equilibration time. These findings provide critical quantitative insights for optimizing vitrification strategies and establish a robust theoretical foundation for designing safer and more efficient clinical cryopreservation protocols for large organs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10897,"journal":{"name":"Cryobiology","volume":"122 ","pages":"Article 105570"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733222","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105564
Paula Luque , Lenka Kuželová , Jakub Vozaf , Andrej Baláži , Peter Chrenek
This study evaluated the effect of astaxanthin (AX), a potent antioxidant carotenoid, on the post-thaw quality of cryopreserved rabbit sperm. Semen samples were frozen with AX supplementation at concentrations of 0 (CONTROL), 0.5, 1, or 2 μM. Post-thaw sperm quality was assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) for motility, and by flow cytometry to evaluate viability, early apoptosis, mitochondrial activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and acrosomal membrane integrity. Supplementation with 0.5 and 1 μM AX significantly improved total motility, viability, and mitochondrial activity compared to the control group (p < 0.05). These concentrations also led to significantly reduced levels of apoptotic cells and ROS. Acrosomal damage was not significantly affected by AX supplementation. These findings demonstrate that low-dose AX addition during cryopreservation attenuates oxidative and apoptotic damage in rabbit spermatozoa and enhances several key post-thaw quality parameters. Astaxanthin may thus represent a promising additive for improving cryosurvival in rabbit sperm used for assisted reproduction.
{"title":"Antioxidant astaxanthin enhances cryosurvival and post-thaw functional parameters of rabbit spermatozoa","authors":"Paula Luque , Lenka Kuželová , Jakub Vozaf , Andrej Baláži , Peter Chrenek","doi":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105564","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105564","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the effect of astaxanthin (AX), a potent antioxidant carotenoid, on the post-thaw quality of cryopreserved rabbit sperm. Semen samples were frozen with AX supplementation at concentrations of 0 (CONTROL), 0.5, 1, or 2 μM. Post-thaw sperm quality was assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) for motility, and by flow cytometry to evaluate viability, early apoptosis, mitochondrial activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and acrosomal membrane integrity. Supplementation with 0.5 and 1 μM AX significantly improved total motility, viability, and mitochondrial activity compared to the control group (<em>p</em> < 0.05). These concentrations also led to significantly reduced levels of apoptotic cells and ROS. Acrosomal damage was not significantly affected by AX supplementation. These findings demonstrate that low-dose AX addition during cryopreservation attenuates oxidative and apoptotic damage in rabbit spermatozoa and enhances several key post-thaw quality parameters. Astaxanthin may thus represent a promising additive for improving cryosurvival in rabbit sperm used for assisted reproduction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10897,"journal":{"name":"Cryobiology","volume":"122 ","pages":"Article 105564"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733221","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-10DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105561
Troy Louwagie , Lindsey G. O’Brien , Daryl M. Gohl , Allison Hubel
Drosophila melanogaster is a well-known organism for biological research. With more than 150,000 live stocks maintained, there is an urgent need for cryopreservation of Drosophila stocks to limit maintenance costs and genetic drift. Two methods have been described for freezing Drosophila stocks: vitrification of embryos and of primordial germ cells. These methods show success in cryopreserving stocks, but the robustness and the applicability of these approaches in preserving a wide range of mutant stocks has not been established. Here, we describe a method for cryopreserving isolated embryonic nuclei using a slow-cooling method. Using a differential evolution algorithm, we identified five different formulations that show 80% recovery and used Raman spectroscopy to image nuclei at low temperatures. Finally, we demonstrate that cryopreserved nuclei retain biological function through an induced hsp70 transcriptional response. This work represents steps towards cryopreserving nuclei with the ultimate goal of regenerating stocks by embryonic nuclear transplantation.
{"title":"Cryopreservation of Drosophila melanogaster embryonic nuclei in a Dimethyl sulfoxide (ME2SO)-free solution","authors":"Troy Louwagie , Lindsey G. O’Brien , Daryl M. Gohl , Allison Hubel","doi":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105561","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105561","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Drosophila melanogaster is a well-known organism for biological research. With more than 150,000 live stocks maintained, there is an urgent need for cryopreservation of Drosophila stocks to limit maintenance costs and genetic drift. Two methods have been described for freezing Drosophila stocks: vitrification of embryos and of primordial germ cells. These methods show success in cryopreserving stocks, but the robustness and the applicability of these approaches in preserving a wide range of mutant stocks has not been established. Here, we describe a method for cryopreserving isolated embryonic nuclei using a slow-cooling method. Using a differential evolution algorithm, we identified five different formulations that show <span><math><mo>></mo></math></span>80% recovery and used Raman spectroscopy to image nuclei at low temperatures. Finally, we demonstrate that cryopreserved nuclei retain biological function through an induced <em>hsp70</em> transcriptional response. This work represents steps towards cryopreserving nuclei with the ultimate goal of regenerating stocks by embryonic nuclear transplantation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10897,"journal":{"name":"Cryobiology","volume":"122 ","pages":"Article 105561"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}