A DMSO-Free Biomimetic Cryoprotective Matrix System For Bone Marrow Banking

The biopreservation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and bone marrow will allow for critical advances in healthcare, chemotherapy, and banking for mass casualty events. Cryopreservation is considered the answer, but remains a highly interdisciplinary problem that has yet to allow the successful full viability recovery of cells, tissues, and organs for on-demand applications. The use of cryoprotective agents (CPAs) like DMSO is hindered by their innate cytotoxicity and unfavorable effects in patients infused with DMSO containing HSCs. Opportunity lies in the development of a highly effective CPA or media system that significantly reduces or removes the use of harmful CPAs from cryoprotectant solutions. A cutting-edge preservation method and protocol is needed.Biomedical applications of hydrogels are ever growing with the advancement of antibiotic and traumatic wound care, time and location specific drug delivery, tissue engineering scaffolds, cell preservation, etc.X-Therma has engineered an advanced biomimetic cryoprotective matrix system for eventual use in bone marrow preservation. Phase I will focus on feasibility studies to assess the inherent cryoprotective effect of the matrix system. CD34+ cells will be encapsulated, subjected to a cryopreservation protocol and rewarming procedure. Simple cell assessment by live/dead and metabolic activity assays will be used to show feasibility.