Exploring Cryopreservation through DMPC Model Membrane Analysis using XFEL Diffraction and Broadband GHz-THz Spectroscopy

G-S. Park
Seoul National University, -, South Korea

Keywords: cryopreservation, water ice, model membrane, nanoconfined water, XFEL diffraction-spectroscopy

Model membranes, like lipid vesicles or liposomes, are vital in cryopreservation research. DMPC (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) is a key example. These models, though simplified, provide crucial insights for refining cryopreservation and developing cryoprotective agents. DMPC and related phospholipids form bilayers, mimicking cellular membranes, simplifying the study of interactions between membranes and cryoprotectants, as well as freezing and thawing effects. We utilized GHz-THz broadband spectroscopy to probe nanoconfined water dynamics within these membranes and examined ice structure dynamics at the X-ray FEL facility in Pohang. These insights guide our investigation into freezing mechanisms within nanoconfined water in multi-lamellar vesicles using XFEL and spectroscopy. This exploration into DMPC-based freezing is novel and has implications in fields like medicine, conservation, agriculture, and beyond.