Method of cryopreserving cells and tissues by liposomal delivery of sugars to enhance post-thaw viability

Abstract

A method for cryopreserving cells entails the liposomal delivery of intracellular sugar(s), such as trehalose, sucrose, raffinose, stachyose, and combinations thereof, into cells and tissues, such as red blood cells, for enhancing post-thaw viability. This method enables rapid and easy delivery of protective molecules into cells which thus greatly simplifies the preparation of cells for cryopreservation. Furthermore, as much lower concentrations of intracellular protectant are used, the method allows red blood cells containing the liposomally-delivered intracellular sugar to be transfused into a patient immediately following the thaw without having to first remove any of the cryoprotectant sugar.

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