Development of pva/pvp based cryo-containers for vitrification of biological samples

Abstract

Vitrification is a physical phenomenon used for cryopreservation of biological samples such that they are retained in vitreous state. In this study polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) were the polymers, used in the form of blend, for development of Cryocontainers for vitrification of biological samples. Films with 5%, 3% PVA and 5%, 2% PVP were prepared using solvent evaporation method and were characterized for mechanical strength, swelling, solubility in water, stability in liquid nitrogen (LN2), degradability, crystallinity, morphology and biocompatibility. Film prepared from 5% PVA and 5% PVP showed the best results with maximum folding endurance (380±5) , swelling (225%), solubility in water (33%±5) and minimum thickness (0.06±0.02) mm. These films were also stable in LN2 for atleast 7 days, showed maximum haemolysis of 3.52% and 97% viability of cells was seen in Trypan blue test which suggest their biocompatibility. All the results turned out to be promising and hence make PVA/PVP blend films good candidates for vitrification of biological samples.