Theoretical Prediction of Vitrification and Devitrification Tendencies for Cryoprotective Solutions

Abstract Based on Boutron's semi-empirical crystallization theory, exact analytical expressions for variation in the quantity of ice crystallized have been obtained by the integral method without using finite expansions. With the aid of the experimental data from DSC, these expressions can be used to calculate the critical cooling rates required for vitrification and the critical warming rates necessary to avoid devitrification, thereby predicting the glass-forming tendency and the stability of the amorphous state for cryoprotective agents (CPAs), respectively. It is shown that an aqueous solution of l -2, 3-butanediol has the highest glass-forming tendency and the most stable wholly amorphous state, followed by 1, 2-propanediol and DMSO, ethylene glycol, and glycerol. It is also found that the high polymers have obvious non-Arrhenius properties. Therefore, the stability of the CPAs can be enhanced by adding PVP or PEG.