# Fast Freezing Processes in Tissues

> **NIH NIH R15** · LOUISIANA STATE UNIV A&M COL BATON ROUGE · 2021 · $432,803

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The goal of the research is to advance the formulation of cryopreservation protocols for biological systems
using fundamental biophysical parameters. At present, crucial gaps exist in our knowledge of the biophysical
parameters governing the states of intra- and extra-cellular water during a fast freezing process. This proposal
aims to redress this crucial gap by introducing two new and effective techniques: (a) a measurement
technique based on microscale thermoelectric sensors, engineered using microfabrication techniques
suitable for use with artificial tissues and (b) a measurement technique based on a combination of calorimetry
and low temperature microscopy suitable for use with native tissues. Specifically, the project will: (1) design
fabricate and test microscale thermoelectric sensors to measure fast freezing processes in isolated cells
(Neonatal Human Dermal fibroblasts, NHDFs) and artificial tissues (NHDFs embedded in a collagen gel
sheet) with and without Cryoprotective Agents (CPAs) and (2) develop a combination of calorimetric and low
temperature microscopy (directional solidification) methods to assess fast freezing processes in NHDFs and
native (mammalian liver) tissue sections with and without CPAs. CPA addition and removal in both tissue
(artificial and native) systems will be modeled using irreversible thermodynamic models. These integrated
methods from disparate disciplines will lead to rational design and development of freezing processes for
cryopreservation of donated tissues, an extremely scarce resource, as well as artificially engineered tissues.
The education and infrastructure development part of this NIH AREA 15 proposal includes both instructional
and research components for LSU undergraduate students.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10200316
- **Project number:** 1R15GM141653-01
- **Recipient organization:** LOUISIANA STATE UNIV A&M COL BATON ROUGE
- **Principal Investigator:** Ram Devireddy
- **Activity code:** R15 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $432,803
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-06-01 → 2025-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10200316

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10200316, Fast Freezing Processes in Tissues (1R15GM141653-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10200316. Licensed CC0.

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