A Synergistic Combination of AuNRs and C Dots as a Multifunctional Material for Ice Recrystallization Inhibition and Rapid Rewarming

Abstract

Robust platforms and advanced biocompatible materials having diverse performances are in tremendous demand for cryopreservation of biocells, which are greatly limited by the crystallization, formation, and growth of ice crystals. The fickle structure and the arduous extraction process of modern attainable antifreezing proteins cause fatal cryoinjury of the cells making it challenging to develop anti-icing materials. Thus, designing Au colloids is an effective way to combat cell-damaging concerns during the ice freezing–thawing process. Herein, we propose an emerging biomimetic hybrid nanomaterial (AuNR@SiO2-CDs) prepared by combining the photoheating and rewarming controlling characteristics of carbon dots (CDs) and gold nanorods (AuNRs), respectively, via a SiO2 scaffold that has an optimal aspect ratio of ∼4.4. The performance of the material is applied in the freezing and resuscitation of Hela cells. The typical linkage between the AuNR and CDs not only retains the stable structure but also possesses the symmetric functional characteristics of affirmative cryoprotectant materials and sustained low cytotoxicity of cell viability >90%. The cell recovery rate of the Hela cell is significantly improved to ∼60%, which is propped up to >4% higher by the laser irradiation dose. The above hybrid material is paving a path toward novel bionic antifreezing proteins and is envisioned for ice recrystallization inhibition and rapid rewarming.

Inulin Can Improve Red Blood Cell Cryopreservation by Promoting Vitrification, Stabilizing Cell Membranes, and Inhibiting Ice Recrystallization

“…The mean largest grain size (MLGS) represents the average value of the 10 largest crystals in a field of view, which is used to quantitatively analyze the IRI activity. The smaller MLGS value represents stronger IRI activity …”

Profiling the Morphology Effects of MoS2 Nanomaterials on Ice Suppression and Rapid Rewarming for Cryopreservation

“…Preferential binding to ice crystals on the surface of AFPs resulted in a local increase in surface curvature of the ice, which could inhibit ice crystal growth and recrystallization. 10,11 Unfortunately, the poor stability, low yield, and high cost of AFPs have limited their widespread application. However, inspired by the antifreeze mechanism of AFPs, a variety of polymer systems [e.g., poly(vinyl alcohol), polyampholytes, and carbohydrates] and nanomaterials have been reported as AFP simulation materials and applied to the cryopreservation of various biological samples.…”

“…Preferential binding to ice crystals on the surface of AFPs resulted in a local increase in surface curvature of the ice, which could inhibit ice crystal growth and recrystallization. , Unfortunately, the poor stability, low yield, and high cost of AFPs have limited their widespread application. However, inspired by the antifreeze mechanism of AFPs, a variety of polymer systems [e.g., poly­(vinyl alcohol), polyampholytes, and carbohydrates] and nanomaterials have been reported as AFP simulation materials and applied to the cryopreservation of various biological samples. ,− In particular, with the vigorous development of nanotechnology, various nanomaterials and engineering strategies are being applied to explore the regulation of ice crystals, thereby reducing the mechanical damage of ice to biological samples and improving the efficiency of cryopreservation. ,,− Wang et al found that graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets not only effectively inhibited the growth and recrystallization of ice crystals but also modified the morphology of ice crystals, which was attributed to the preferential adsorption of GO on the surface of ice crystals . They also found that oxidized quasi-carbon–nitrogen quantum dots (OQCNs) preferentially adsorbed to the surface of ice crystals and inhibited the growth of ice crystals due to the Kelvin effect .…”