Advances in vitrification technology: increasing plant survival rates during cryogenic storage
In the field of plant cryopreservation, vitrification has emerged as a groundbreaking technique for protecting plant genetic resources. Vitrification transforms plant tissue into a glassy state that prevents the formation of ice crystals during freezing, making it ideal for preserving sensitive genetic material at extremely low temperatures.
The concept of vitrification is not new—it has long been used successfully in plant cryopreservation and offers an alternative to conventional freezing methods, which sometimes result in lower plant recovery rates. By rapidly cooling plant tissue with cryoprotectants, vitrification prevents the formation of harmful ice crystals inside the cells, allowing the tissue to be stored at −196 °C without losing its viability.
Recent advances in vitrification-based techniques have further raised the bar for plant cryopreservation. Methods such as encapsulation vitrification, droplet vitrification, and even the newer D- or V-cryoplate techniques have emerged, all aimed at further improving plant regeneration rates, adapting them to a wider variety of plant species, and simplifying the process. These methods are helping researchers cryopreserve even plant species previously considered too challenging for conventional cryogenic methods.
For example, the V-cryoplate method achieved an impressive regrowth rate of 93% for the Stevia rebaudiana plant, significantly exceeding previous methods such as standard vitrification, which achieved a success rate of 68%. Such improvements are a testament to how continuous research and optimization of cryopreservation techniques can lead to better conservation outcomes for our plant biodiversity. These methods allow researchers to improve regrowth rates, adapt to a wider variety of plant species, and simplify the process. These methods are helping researchers to cryopreserve even plant species previously considered too difficult for conventional cryogenic methods.
Cryopreservation holds immense potential, not only for preserving food crops but also for preserving genetic diversity, which is essential for future plant breeding and biodiversity conservation. The versatility of vitrification also extends to various plant structures—be they shoot tips, dormant buds, or embryonic axils. For each of these, there are specific cryopreservation protocols that must be perfected to maintain viability, and this is where modern advances are making a real difference.
At Consarctic, we are proud to support these breakthroughs by providing cutting-edge cryogenic solutions to researchers and cryobanks worldwide. Our technology is focused on the constant cooling, controlled storage, and ultimately the successful long-term preservation of plants and other biological materials.