A screening support method of cryoprotective agents for regenerative medical products considering environmental impacts

Abstract

We present a screening support method of cryoprotective agents (CPAs) for regenerative medical products considering environmental impacts. A process matrix was developed that can analyze raw materials of CPA candidate compounds systematically. Life cycle assessment provided the basis for the environmental impact assessment of 13 categories. Using the developed process matrix, 40 CPA candidate compounds were classified into seven groups based on the raw materials. Statistical hypothesis testing was performed to evaluate the effect of raw materials on the environmental impacts and the physical performance. The results showed that the environmental impacts of the agricultural and livestock origin group were higher than those of the natural resource origin group. By contrast, the physical performance of the natural resource origin group was significantly higher than that of the agricultural and livestock origin group. The developed screening support method could be conceptually applied to new CPA candidate compounds.