Compositions and methods for reducing ice crystal formation
The present invention provides peptoid polymers capable of reducing or inhibiting the formation of ice crystals at sub 0° C. temperatures. Also provided are peptoid-peptide hybrids comprising the peptoid polymers provided herein. The peptoid polymers and peptoid-peptide hybrids provided herein are useful for making cryoprotectant solutions. The peptoid polymers, peptoid-peptide hybrids, and cryoprotectant solutions provided herein are useful for making antifreeze solutions, frozen food products, and cosmetic care products. Also provided herein are methods for preserving a tissue, an organ, a cell, or a biological macromolecule using the compositions described herein.
1. A peptoid polymer having a length of from 8 to 50 monomers, wherein the peptoid polymer comprises at least two Nhp (2-((2-hydroxypropyl) amino) acetic acid) monomers.
2. The peptoid polymer of claim 1 , wherein the peptoid polymer comprises at least three Nhp monomers.
3. The peptoid polymer of claim 1 , wherein the peptoid polymer comprises at least four Nhp monomers.
4. The peptoid polymer of claim 1 , wherein the peptoid polymer comprises at least two contiguous Nhp monomers.
5. The peptoid polymer of claim 4 , wherein the peptoid polymer comprises two contiguous Nhp monomers.
6. The peptoid polymer of claim 1 , wherein the peptoid polymer comprises at least three contiguous Nhp monomers.
7. The peptoid polymer of claim 6 , wherein the peptoid polymer comprises three contiguous Nhp monomers.
8. The peptoid polymer of claim 1 , wherein the peptoid polymer has a length of from 8 to 25 monomers.
9. The peptoid polymer of claim 1 , wherein the peptoid polymer has a length of from 8 to 20 monomers.
10. The peptoid polymer of claim 1 , wherein the peptoid polymer has a length of from 10 to 25 monomers.
11. The peptoid polymer of claim 1 , wherein the peptoid polymer reduces or inhibits ice crystal formation at a temperature within about 0° C. to about −20° C.
12. The peptoid polymer of claim 1 , wherein the peptoid polymer reduces or inhibits ice crystal formation at a temperature within about −20° C. to about −200° C.
13. A cryoprotectant solution comprising a peptoid polymer of claim 1 .