Cryopreservation involves the freezing of biological specimens at extremely low temperatures, usually below −196°C, in liquid nitrogen. The process of freezing and thawing can cause damage to biological specimens due to the formation of ice crystals. The formation of ice crystals can disrupt cellular structures, leading to cell death. To minimize the damage caused by ice crystal formation, CPAs such as DMSO are used.
DMSO functions as a cryoprotectant by reducing the formation of ice crystals and increasing the solubility of intracellular solutes. It is known to have a colligative effect, where it reduces the freezing point of the solvent, leading to the suppression of ice crystal formation. Furthermore, DMSO is also known to have a vitrification effect, where it prevents ice crystal formation by solidifying the solution into a glass-like state.
The concentration of DMSO used in cryopreservation is crucial in determining the viability of biological specimens after thawing. High concentrations of side effects of dmso can be toxic to cells and may cause damage to cellular structures. Therefore, it is essential to optimize the concentration of DMSO used in cryopreservation to ensure the maximum viability of biological specimens.
Role of DMSO in biobanking:
Biobanking involves the long-term storage of biological specimens for research purposes. The use of CPAs such as DMSO is essential in biobanking to maintain the viability of biological specimens during storage. DMSO is an excellent solvent for biobanking because of its stability and ability to dissolve a wide range of biological molecules.
The concentration of DMSO used in biobanking is critical in determining the stability of biological specimens during storage. High concentrations of DMSO may affect the stability of biological molecules, leading to degradation and loss of functionality. Therefore, it is essential to optimize the concentration of DMSO used in biobanking to ensure the maximum stability of biological specimens during storage.
During nerve damage, axons and their surrounding structures, such as the myelin sheath, undergo degeneration. DMSO has been shown to protect axons from degeneration by increasing the expression of neurotrophic factors, such as nerve growth factor (NGF). Neurotrophic factors play a crucial role in promoting nerve regeneration by stimulating the growth and survival of nerve cells.
Inflammation:
Inflammation is a crucial stage in nerve regeneration, as it involves the recruitment of immune cells to the site of injury. However, excessive inflammation can inhibit nerve regeneration, leading to the formation of scar tissue. DMSO has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. This may help to limit inflammation and promote nerve regeneration.
