Abstract: A method for preserving biological material includes the steps of placing the biological material in thermal contact with a cryogenically coolable environment, applying radiant energy to the biological material to maintain the temperature of the biological material at physiological temperatures, cooling the surrounding environment to a temperature below the glass phase transition temperature of the biological material, and rapidly stopping the application of radiant energy to the biological material. The method produces cooling rates so rapid that the biological material is vitrified without an opportunity for ice crystals to form.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 16, 1998
Date of Patent:
October 9, 2001
Assignee:
The General Hospital Corporation and University of
Massachusetts