Ice induction using Snomax® in the dimethyl-sulfoxide-containing aqueous solution for DSC experiments
Résumé
Controlling the supercooling state during ice crystallization process is important for differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. In cryopreservation solutions, the control of the nucleation temperature (Tn) is necessary as it allows the simulation of slow-freezing procedures. Herein, the effect of Snomax® on Tn value in aqueous solutions containing dimethyl-sulfoxide (Me2SO) (H2O + 10 %(v/v)Me2SO) was studied. The effect of Me2SO, a cryoprotectant, on nucleation control was investigated by evaluating λhet, which describes the influence of a molecule on the nucleation behaviour of an ice-nucleating agent (INA). Note that λhet is specific to the molecule added in solution and to the maximum melting temperature of the solution. The knowledge of λhet helps evaluate the ranges of the supercooling magnitude at which the INA in solution can trigger nucleation. This study shows how Snomax can be used in DSC experiments using the H2O + 10 %(v/v)Me2SO solution when ice nucleation must be controlled.