Enhancement of Macromolecular Ice Recrystallisation Inhibition Activity by Exploiting Depletion Forces

We have shown that the ice recrystallisation inhibition of poly(vinyl alcohol) can be improved by the addition of other, inactive macromolecules, in this case poly(ethylene glycol). The additive causes a depletant effect in the liquid channels between ice grains, driving PVA out of solution and on to the the ice crystal surface.

These results give greater insight into the mechanism behind poly(vinyl alcohol)'s antifreeze activity and open up a new suite of tools we can use to make potent antifreeze/cryopreservation agents.