Isochoric method and device for reducing the probability of ice nucleation during preservation of biological matter at subzero centigrade temperatures

摘要

Because ice-I is less dense than water, the formation of an ice nucleus in an isochoric (constant volume) system containing water at pressures lower than about 200 MPa will cause an increase in pressure. This increase in pressure increases the energy required for reducing the probability for ice nucleation in an isochoric system containing water. In the present invention, a system for decreasing the probability of ice nucleation in a system containing water based on isochoric cooling and warming is provided. Reduction in the probability of ice nucleation has use in biological material preservation at low temperatures in: a supercooled state, by rapid freezing and through vitrification.