Immortality: desiccation of human (stem) cells for long-term storage and cell therapy-based applications

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Although evidence exists that suggests the preparation of mammalian cells in a desiccatedstate may be a feasible strategy for their long-term storage, no study has documented asuccessful protocol. Considering a clinical translational endpoint, this project aims to identifymaterials and/or techniques that can be applied to develop a desiccation-tolerant cell linewith the view of subsequent clinical application to human stem cells.The project can be divided into the following activities:1. Assessment of the feasibility of hydrogels, gel-based materials and/or exogenousadditives/supplements as "protectants" for cells undergoing a desiccation protocol for longtermstorage. Samples will include biologically-derived gels such as collagen/gelatin, agaroseand plant-based gels; synthetic materials such as glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), poly(Nisopropylacrylamide)(PNIPAAm); supplements such as Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA)proteins, heat-shock proteins (from extremophiles). Materials will be fully characterized andassessed for their support of cells during culture, desiccation and rehydration.2. To assess the "processing" parameters involved in the drying process: controlled removalof water - either in a rapid or slow manner - will affect cell survival during desiccation due tothe differences in the fundamental mechanisms i.e. crystal growth, nucleation sites. A similarprocess/mechanism occurs during rehydration of these cells, which would impact theresulting viability and potential differentiative ability of the (stem) cells. This part of theproject will aim to identify the optimal rate/methodology of de- and re-hydrating the cells.Potential computational analyses may also be exploited in this part of the project to modelthe water loss from the samples.