Combining dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) with different cryoprotectants ensures better cartilage cell cryopreservation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: DMSO is a cryoprotective agent (CPA) that is widely used in the cryopreservation of cells. However, evidence suggests that it is more effective when combined with other CPAs. OBJECTIVE: To investigated the effect of combining serum and balanced solutions with DMSO for cryopreservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cartilage cells cultured with Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) medium were taken from the ears of adult cattle. Then, these cells were frozen by supplementation with different concentrations of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and different balanced solutions with DMSO. RESULTS: The highest cell viability was obtained using freezing solutions containing 10% DMSO and 40% serum, in dextran 40 or dextrose solution or DMEM. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that serum concentration is important for cell viability and that supplementing DMSO with dextran or dextrose or DMEM benefits the cryopreservation of bovine cartilage cells.