Nanotechnology Review Connects Cryoprotectant Delivery, Ice Control and Rewarming
Published in Biology, Journals, Nanomedicine, Nanowarming.
Published October 26, 2026.
A review published online October 15 in Tissue and Cell examines how nanotechnology could address several sources of cryopreservation injury. Juhyun Kim, Yeonwoo Jang and Hansoo Park discuss strategies spanning individual cells and three-dimensional structures such as spheroids and organoids.
Freezing and thawing can damage biological material through ice formation, osmotic imbalance and toxicity from cryoprotective agents. The review considers complementary approaches: delivering protective compounds inside cells with nanocarriers, modifying extracellular ice behavior with nanomaterials, and distributing heat throughout a sample during rewarming.
Preserving 3D constructs adds difficulties because protective compounds may penetrate unevenly, while different regions encounter different conditions. Their architecture therefore requires preservation methods adapted to diffusion limits and structural complexity.
Evidence limits: This is a synthesis of research approaches, not a new demonstration that one platform preserves all cell types or complex tissues. Coordinating delivery, ice control and rewarming is a research direction; the review does not establish successful whole-organ preservation or human cryonics revival. Functional recovery must be evaluated for each biological system and preservation method.
Source: Kim, Jang and Park, Tissue and Cell, online October 15, 2026.