INTRODUCTION
- Exploitation of hydrogels as protectants for mammalian cells during a low-water, long-term, storage environment induced by desiccation.
- Cryopreservation is unfavourable due to high cost, difficulty transporting liquid nitrogen and the use of toxic additives e.g. DMSO.
- Desiccation is advantageous due to its low cost, low maintenance and process-compatible nature.
- Hydrogels are biocompatible and have tailorable characteristics.