Optimal Rewarming Solutions for Cryopreserved Tissue Systems

TDA, working with our collaborators, proposes to develop a novel RF heating process for rewarming cryogenically preserved tissues and organs, without allowing ice crystallization or mechanical damage that destroys the tissue. We have demonstrated the ability heat the sample at rates that far exceed the critical warming rate needed to suppress rewarming phase crystallization while simultaneously heating the sample uniformly enough to not induce mechanical damage. In the Phase II (a) project, we will improve our RF warming system by designing in improved feedback control, and scaling it up to handle larger samples. Success in the Phase II (a) project will ensure that the cryopreserved tissues pass from the vitrified state to the liquid state without forming crystalline ice (devitrification), and without the high thermal gradients which can lead to mechanical failure (fracture).