Freeze-Drying of Cells and Tissues for Applications in Regenerative and Reproductive Medicine

In this presentation, feasibility of freeze-drying for stabilization of cells as well as decellularized heart valves will be discussed. Various methods to incorporate disaccharides into mammalian cells will be highlighted including a novel method making use of freezing-induced membrane phase transitions. This is illustrated for platelets, red blood cells, and sperm. Furthermore, it is shown how disaccharides can be used for freeze-drying of decellularized heart valve scaffolds. Diffusion of lyoprotective agents into the scaffolds has been studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the effects of freeze-drying on the overall histoarchitecture, matrix proteins, and biomechanical properties are shown. Presented by Willem F. Wolkers, Prof. Dr. Ir. professor at the Institute of Multiphase Processes, Leibniz University of Hannover