Putting AI to work in cryopreservation

Oxford Cryotechnology is deploying computational and machine learning technologies to improve cryopreservation methods.

Cryopreservation – the concept of placing cells, organs and even whole organisms into a state of suspended animation to preserve their viability – is, for most, the stuff of science fiction. But, while there are a few companies focused on distant idea human cryopreservation (also known as cryonics), the technology is already widely used today for the preservation of cells (‘freezing’ eggs for IVF, for example) and very small tissue samples.

Last month, a new player emerged in the field of cryopreservation. Co-founded by an eminent aging researcher, a computational biology expert, and a cryonics entrepreneur, Oxford Cryotechnology is aiming to advance the field to meet the health demands of aging populations.

My take on this: The potential of cryobiology in human longevity is huge. From enabling reliable stem cell storage systems to long-term organ banking for transplants, the implications for human health are significant. But much more research is required before whole organs (and ultimately humans) can successfully be cryopreserved, so improving preservation methods is a must. To learn how Oxford Cryotechnology plans to address this challenge, we caught up with two of its founders – Professor Jo?o Pedro de Magalh?es, Chair of Molecular Biogerontology at the University of Birmingham, and Dr Emil Kendziorra, CEO of cryonics company Tomorrow Bio.

Along with their other co-founder, Dr Roman Bauer, a computational cryopreservation researcher at the University of Surrey, de Magalh?es and Kendziorra have been talking for a couple of years about the potential of cryotechnology in longevity.

“I suppose I’ve always seen cryonics as a plan B,” says de Magalh?es. “A backup plan, in case progress in the aging field doesn’t happen fast enough.”

“And I’ve always hoped that he’s right!” says Kendziorra.

Curious? Delve deeper and explore topics like the ‘greatly underestimated’ potential of cryobiology, early focus on cryoprotectants and whether organ biobanking is a ‘holy grail’ HERE.

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