Science
We Need Better Cryoprotectants
Lowering temperature is one of the most effective ways to slow cellular metabolism and extend storage times for biological materials. Storage at temperatures below 0°C is limited by the formation of ice crystals. Traditional cryoprotectants used to overcome this hurdle, such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), are limited in effectiveness and toxic to the very materials they are supposed to protect.
Inspired by Nature
Arctic fish can survive in the most frigid subzero environments due to their ability to produce antifreeze proteins (AFPs). These proteins limit cellular damage by preventing the aberrant formation and growth of ice.
We have pioneered a new class of cryoprotectants, inspired by natural antifreeze proteins, to effectively preserve life at subzero temperatures.
Can Ice Play Nice?
Polarized light reveals the life-saving secrets of antifreeze molecules.
Water naturally freezes into large hexagonal ice crystals.
Antifreeze peptoid results in smaller, rounder, safer ice and even maintains crystal size during temperature excursions.
Antifreeze proteins from arctic fish alter the ice crystals into a dual pyramid shape.
The Power of Peptoids
Taking inspiration from naturally occurring anti-freeze proteins, X-Therma has developed novel biomimetic molecules called peptoids to act as highly-effective cryoprotectants. These peptoids allow for controlled ice formation and deterred recrystallization with an unprecedented freezing point depression at temperatures down to -196°C. Adding to their versatility, they can be utilized for the stable ice-free storage of cells, tissues, and whole organs at sub-zero (<0°C) conditions. No matter the storage temperature, peptoids help to avoid alterations in the viability and functionality of products in the cold chain.
A Safer Alternative
Nice Ice
Our peptoid deters ice at high sub-zero storage conditions (-20°C to 0°C). At lower temperatures, the peptoid results in small and rounded ice.
DMSO-Free
DMSO-based cryopreservation methods can be highly toxic. In clinical settings, potential side effects include irreversible genotoxicity. Our products do not contain DMSO.
Serum-Free
Serum-based products possess inherent safety risks due to the large variability between manufactured lots. Our products do not contain serum.
Non-Toxic
Non-toxic and non-genotoxic cryopreservation solution that reduces the risks of side effects during and after cell and gene therapy.
