Cryopreservation of animal cells commonly uses:
Cryopreservation of mammalian cells routinely employs dimethyl sulfoxide as penetrating cryoprotectant at 5-10% concentration. DMSO is small amphipathic molecule freely crossing lipid bilayer, replacing intracellular water and disrupting hydrogen bonding network required for ice lattice formation. During controlled slow cooling at -1°C per minute achieved using isopropanol containers like Mr. Frosty or programmable freezers, extracellular ice forms first creating osmotic gradient that draws water out of cells dehydrating them. DMSO lowers freezing point, promotes vitrification where residual i
Ref: Freshney Ch.22 Cryopreservation DMSO prevents intracellular ice; Mazur Science 1984 kinetics of water loss and vitrification by DMSO.
