Cryoprotectant solutions are necessary to prevent the formation of ice crystals in tissues and organs. We are working together with researchers to systematically explore how the effectiveness of solutions can be improved and damage minimized. We are going to quantitatively screen different combinations of cryoprotectants, using machine learning to optimize cell viability.

Homogeneous perfusion of the body and especially the brain with cryoprotectant solutions at target concentration is essential for preventing ice formation and attaining optimal cryopreservation quality. Using CT and/or MRT imaging solutions, it is possible to analyze in fine detail the success of the cryopreservation procedure. This feedback is of great importance in validating and continually optimizing cryopreservation protocols, in particular cooling methods and temperature and pressure ramps.

While storage at liquid nitrogen temperature (−196 °C) is the easiest and most straightforward approach, it can lead to thermal strain and fracturing of tissues. Storage at intermediate temperatures of around −130 °C substantially reduces these effects. We aim to offer intermediate temperature organ storage and will engineer robust and reliable intermediate temperature storage solutions.

A variety of medications are currently applied during cool-down to protect cells and organs. These protocols have been developed based on standards in emergency medicine, but little is known about their effectiveness for biostasis applications. We want to empirically investigate cell viability when testing different drug combinations.

Eventually, restoration of human organ viability is the main goal of the European Biostasis Foundation. While potentially still many years away, we will start scientifically exploring possible routes to reanimation on the basis of small animal organs.