Abstract: Methods for cryopreservation of biological samples are provided. The biological samples are sub-millimeter or millimeter scale biological materials. The biological samples are pancreatic islets and stem cell derived islets. Methods for cryopreservation of islets using cryomesh and multi-step loading and unloading of CPA cocktails are provided. Methods disclosed result in vitrified and rewarmed islets with high recovery, viability and functionality. Methods are scalable for high throughput production of large amounts of vitrified and rewarmed islets for use in therapeutic transplantation.

Abstract: This disclosure describes compositions and methods related to cryoprotection of biomaterial. Generally, the cryoprotective composition includes a cryoprotective agent and magnetic nanoparticles effective for thawing a cryopreserved specimen comprising biomaterial with minimal biomaterial damage. In some embodiments, the composition is effective for thawing a cryopreserved specimen having a minimum dimension of 0.1 mm. Generally, the method includes obtaining a biomaterial cryopreserved with a cryoprotective composition as summarized above, then subjecting the cryopreserved biomaterial to electromagnetic energy of an intensity sufficient to excite the magnetic nanoparticles and thaw the biomaterial.

Abstract: This disclosure describes compositions and methods related to cryoprotection of biomaterial. Generally, the cryoprotective composition includes a cryoprotective agent and magnetic nanoparticles effective for thawing a cryopreserved specimen comprising biomaterial with minimal biomaterial damage. In some embodiments, the composition is effective for thawing a cryopreserved specimen having a minimum dimension of 0.1 mm. Generally, the method includes obtaining a biomaterial cryopreserved with a cryoprotective composition as summarized above, then subjecting the cryopreserved biomaterial to electromagnetic energy of an intensity sufficient to excite the magnetic nanoparticles and thaw the biomaterial.