1. Experimental observation of cavity-free ice-free isochoric vitrification via combined pressure measurements and photon counting x-ray computed tomography.
- Author
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Ali AM, Chang B, Consiglio AN, Sanchez Van Moer G, Powell-Palm MJ, Rubinsky B, and Mäkiharju SA
- Subjects
- Pressure, Ice, Vitrification, Cryopreservation methods, Tomography, X-Ray Computed methods, Photons
- Abstract
Isochoric (constant-volume or volumetrically confined) vitrification has shown potential as an alternative cryopreservation-by-vitrification technique, but the complex processes at play within the chamber are yet poorly characterized, and recent investigations have prompted significant debate around whether a truly isochoric vitrification process (in which the liquid remains completely confined by solid boundaries) is indeed feasible. Based on a recent thermomechanical simulation of a high-concentration Me
2 SO solution, Solanki and Rabin (Cryobiology, 2023, 111, 9-15.) argue that isochoric vitrification is not feasible, because differential thermal contraction of the solution and container will necessarily drive generation of a cavity, corrupting the rigid confinement of the liquid. Here, we provide direct experimental evidence to the contrary, demonstrating cavity-free isochoric vitrification of a ∼3.5 M vitrification solution by combined isochoric pressure measurement (IPM) and photon-counting x-ray computed tomography (PC-CT). We hypothesize that the absence of a cavity is due to the minimal thermal contraction of the solution, which we support with additional volumetric analysis of the PC-CT reconstructions. In total, this study provides experimental evidence both demonstrating the feasibility of isochoric vitrification and highlighting the potential of designing vitrification solutions that exhibit minimal thermal contraction., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest B.R. has filed a 2017 patent application related to isochoric vitrification, which is under review as of the date of submission of this work. M.J.P.-P. and B.R. have financial stakes in a commercial entity that holds the license to the said patent application. The other authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2024
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