Chemists in Canada have developed a novel approach to making more effective medical anticoagulant fluids to preserve kidneys, hearts and other organs donated for transplantation
Chemists in Canada have developed a novel approach to making more effective medical anticoagulant fluids to preserve kidneys, hearts and other organs donated for transplantation. These next-generation antifreezes will be able to reduce the damage to the organs caused by ice crystals, and consequently extend the time during which the transplanted organ is suitable for transplantation. The method could increase the amount of organs available for potential transplants.
Robert N. Ben and his colleagues noticed that the formation of ice crystals is the main cause of damage to cells, tissues and whole organs during the cryopreservation period, which impairs their suitability for transplantation. In order to overcome this challenge, the researchers developed synthetic antifreeze substances, called "C-linked antifreeze glycoprotein analogues, C-AFGP". These proteins contain a sugar coating and have adjustable anticoagulation activity.
Now the researchers are describing the development of a "hydration index" that could be used for a more reliable prediction of the effectiveness of anticoagulants. Their index provides a clearer picture regarding the activity of the water molecules with the sugar components (as well as with the sugar-free protein) and their overall effect on the chemical activity of these substances. This is the key to understanding their ability to reject the acceptance of ice crystals while freezing.
One response
This is a tremendous breakthrough, including a very significant branch of research in terms of the human race. For in the future this form of freezing will allow us, in the future, to reach and settle distant Earth-like stars (see "The Eighth Passenger").