Cell cryoperservation with DMSO

[HappMatt]

So my question is this does DMSO as someone in the lab I am working at says "it replaces the water in the cell" is that true??

From what I have read in journals a couple of journal articles they never said anything about it replacing the water. It did talk about thinning of the bilayer and at certain concentrations starting to form transient holes in the bi layer and even destroying the membrane at high enough concentrations. I was under the assumption that the DMSO helps prevent cell damage by helping relive osmotic stress and helping the water not to form crystals that damage the membrane. I'm guessing there is more to it than that but the idea that it totally replaces the water I wasn't to sure about and have yet to find a definitive answer.

 

[Andy Resnick]

My understanding is that DMSO prevents the nucleation of ice crystals. It does not "replace" water.

 

[oswaler]

I can say that the statement "DMSO replaces the water in the cell" is not entirely accurate. DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide, is a commonly used cryoprotectant in cell cryopreservation. Its main function is to prevent ice crystal formation within the cell, which can cause damage to the cell membrane and other cellular structures. DMSO acts as a cryoprotectant by penetrating the cell membrane and replacing some of the water molecules, which helps to prevent the formation of ice crystals.

However, it is important to note that DMSO does not completely replace all of the water in the cell. The cell still needs a certain amount of water to maintain its structure and function. In fact, using too much DMSO can be harmful to the cell as it can disrupt the cell's osmotic balance and potentially cause damage.

Additionally, DMSO also has other effects on the cell membrane, such as thinning the bilayer and potentially causing transient holes or even membrane damage at high concentrations. These effects can also contribute to the overall protection of the cell during cryopreservation.

In summary, while DMSO does play a crucial role in preventing ice crystal formation and protecting the cell during cryopreservation, it does not completely replace the water in the cell. It is important to carefully control the concentration of DMSO used and consider its effects on the cell membrane in order to successfully preserve cells for future use.