VM3 Cryoprotectant
Superior Large Tissue Preservation
Successfully vitrify individual cells and large tissues with VM3 Cryoprotectant, a low-toxicity formula that is extraordinarily stable against ice formation. It is supplied as a mixture of pure cryoprotectant and includes the Super cool X-1000, Supercool Z-1000, and Super cool PVP “ice blockers.” Designed to satisfy a broad range of cryopreservation needs, it is used as a pure cryoprotectant in preparing vitrification solutions.
Its intended use is to prepare the vitrification solution known as VM3, which contains a total of 65.11% w/v (65.11 g/dl) VM3. VM3 contains 4.11 grams of water for every 65.11 grams of VM3, so the final cryoprotectant concentration of VM3 is actually 61% w/v. However, the final concentration can be varied depending on the user’s needs. VM3 cryoprotectant is stable for at least 11 months in a refrigerator or freezer and can be used in combination with other additives to optimize their use for your particular system.
Please note that this product does not contain a carrier solution. This allows you to prepare VM3-based vitrification solutions using your carrier solution of choice. If you prefer to purchase VM3 prepared in a carrier solution and ready to use, please inquire.
How VM3 Works
VM3 Cryoprotectant allows solutions--and cells in them--to be cooled to below the glass transition temperature without the formation of ice. It achieves an extraordinary lack of toxicity by allowing water to vitrify without making water unavailable to hydrate bimolecular in living cells. VM3 Cryoprotectant contains anti nucleating and ice growth-inhibiting solutes to largely preclude ice formation even during rewarming at about 4°C/min.
VM3 diluted to 90% of full strength was shown to allow unfertilized mouse ova to be vitrified, fertilized, and grown to the blast cyst stage at 80% of the efficiency of untreated control mouse ova. VM3 also allowed 93-107% recovery of vitrified/rewarmed mammalian tissue slice membrane ion transport function compared to untreated control tissue (manuscript in preparation for publication).
VM3 Papers
Fahy GM, Wowk B, Wu J, and Paynter S. 'Improved vitrification solutions based on the predictability of vitrification solution toxicity' Cryobiology 48: 22-35, 2004
We would like to know how well VM3 will work in your research application. Please contact us with questions or to let us know about your experience.
VM3 Links
For videos showing electrical recovery of rabbit hippocampal slices after vitrification using VM3, click here.
