| abstract |
A method for the cryopreservation of multicellular organisms characterized by rapid cooling and warming rates, exceeding 100° C. per minute, to achieve 80% survival after storage in the frozen state. The method involves exposing multicellular organisms to a cryoprotectant medium, freezing the organisms and medium by cooling at a rate greater than 100° C. per minute, holding the organisms and medium at a point below 0° C. for a period of time, and cooling the organisms and the medium at a rate greater than 100° C. per minute to an appropriate storage temperature depending upon the desired length of the storage period. The method is more specifically described with regard to aquatic organisms, and particularly described with regard to the cryopreservation of immature marine crustaceans. |