C-2000: Inhibition of ice recrystallization and gas hydrate formation using small molecules

Abstract

Cellular damage as a result of ice recrystallization during thawing after cryopreservation is a contributing factor to cell death ( Cryobiology 1998,37, 171–186). Our laboratory has previously shown that simple monosaccharides can inhibit ice recrystallization at a concentration of 22 mM ( J. Am. Chem. Soc. , 2008, 130, 17494–17501). Recently, we have discovered that other classes of small molecules also exhibit the ability to inhibit ice recrystallization. One class of these molecules have the pyranose ring oxygen replaced with a nitrogen atom resulting in a compound with different electronic properties. These aza-sugars are also capable of inhibiting the formation of methane gas hydrates. Gas hydrates are problematic in high-pressure environments where methane is present, such as gas pipelines ( Chem. Eur. J. , 2010, 16, 10409–10417). Several different aza-sugars have been assessed for ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI) activity, thermal hysteresis (TH) and the ability to inhibit gas hydrate formation. Structure–function studies of these small molecules have elucidated the structural features necessary for potent IRI activity and the ability to inhibit formation of gas hydrates.