Cryopreservation and global warming (original) (raw)

Chapter: Advances in Cryogenic Techniques for the Long-Term Preservation of Plant Biodiversity

Biotechnology and Biodiversity. Sustainable Development and Biodiversity, Volume 4, Edited by M.R. Ahuja, K.G. Ramawat, 10/2014: pages 129-170; Springer International Publishing., ISBN: 978-3-319-09381-9, 2014

This chapter presents different technical aspects related to the development and large-scale application of cryopreservation techniques, as a biotechnological approach for the long-term storage of plant biodiversity. The main cryogenic procedures and the key steps for their successful adaptation to diverse forms of germplasm are described. Some representative examples of cryopreservation of different plant species are presented to illustrate the significant progress achieved in the practical utilization of cryopreservation as a complementary alternative for germplasm conservation. In addition, other potential uses of this technology to support genetic breeding programs, and its recent utilization to eliminate systemic plant pathogens through cryotherapy are discussed.

Winter is coming: the future of cryopreservation

BMC Biology, 2021

The preservative effects of low temperature on biological materials have been long recognised, and cryopreservation is now widely used in biomedicine, including in organ transplantation, regenerative medicine and drug discovery. The lack of organs for transplantation constitutes a major medical challenge, stemming largely from the inability to preserve donated organs until a suitable recipient is found. Here, we review the latest cryopreservation methods and applications. We describe the main challenges-scaling up to large volumes and complex tissues, preventing ice formation and mitigating cryoprotectant toxicity-discuss advantages and disadvantages of current methods and outline prospects for the future of the field.

Evaluation of critical points in technology transfer of cryopreservation protocols to international plant conservation laboratories

Cryo letters

Cryopreservation of plant tissues in liquid nitrogen is now used for long-term conservation of vegetatively-propagated crops. Development of standard techniques for cryopreservation is important to the international plant-conservation community for successful implementation of storage protocols in diverse and internationally dispersed laboratories. Evaluation of the critical points of each preservation technique will greatly assist in developing and validating internationally-used cryopreservation protocols. The goals of this project were to assess critical points of two major cryopreservation techniques (PVS2 vitrification and encapsulation dehydration) during their transfer to international laboratories; analyze post-storage viability for each technique and location; and develop recommendations based on the assessments and data from the participating laboratories. Investigators from Germany, Kazakhstan, Poland and UK participated in a 2-week training workshop in cryopreservation m...