Polymeric cryoproteetants in the preservation of biological ultrastructure

Abstract
A study was made by EM of the physiological effects of non-penetrating polymeric cryoprotective agents on 16 different plant and animal cells and tissues. The cryoprotectants, when used at concentrations at which they are effective in preventing ice-crystal formation, generally had a lower toxicity to cells and tissue than similar concentrations of glycerol. The relatively low toxicity of these substances suggested that they would be more suitable as cryoprotectants for morphological and analytical studies than the commonly used low MW compounds.