Basic principles of cryobiology

Abstract

The ultimate aim of most cryopreservation procedures is the retention of the structural and functional integrity of the frozen cells or tissue. Designing strategies for achieving high "viability" of the frozen tissue requires an appreciation of the complex physical-chemical events which occur during freezing and thawing, as well as the importance of other processing steps including tissue procurement and post-thaw processing of the tissue, all of which can adversely affect the tissue. Here we have provided a general overview of cryobiology with special emphasis on techniques for organ preservation.