Method of protecting biological materials from destructive reactions in the dry state

摘要

A method is provided for protection of biological materials from the stresses of air-drying and also from destructive reactions, such as oxidation and free-radical attack, which degrade the materials during long-term storage. The method involves drying the materials, which may contain potentially destructive agents such as free-radical generators or reducing sugars, in the presence of a vitrifying substance, and under conditions which allow the protective substance to become vitrified.