Convergent Research

Convergent Research Thrust Areas

All engineering research in ATP-Bio is aimed at eliminating or mitigating the three enemies of biopreservation: ice formation, cryoprotective agent (CPA) toxicity, and slow and/or non-uniform rewarming.

1. Excessive Ice Formation

2. CPA Toxicity

3. Thermal and Mechanical Stress

CONVERGENT RESEARCH

Thrust Area 1: Biological Engineering

We aim to develop new CPAs and CPA delivery, uptake, and removal systems to reduce or eliminate CPA toxicity. This will involve engineering at the molecular, genetic/cellular, and tissue/organ levels.

Evolutionary Algorithms for Combining (CPAs)

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Shannon Tessier (MGH)

Thrust Area 1 Co-Lead

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Martin Yarmush (MGH)

Thrust Area 1 Co-Lead

Thrust Area 2: Multi-scale Thermodynamics of Water

We aim to mitigate or eliminate ice formation during cooling of biological systems down to -140°C.

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Boris Rubinsky

Thrust Area 2 Co-Lead

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Rebecca Sandlin (MGH)

Thrust Area 2 Co-Lead

Thrust Area 3: Rapid and Uniform Warming

We aim to eliminate spontaneous ice formation and thermal cracking that occurs when cryopreserved biological systems are warmed.

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John Bischof, PhD

Thrust Area 3 Co-Lead

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Guillermo Aguilar

Thrust Area 3 Co-Lead

Testbeds

Each of our testbeds connects to a distinct market segment. We aim to produce biopreservation technologies that will accelerate the growth of each of these market segments via new products and vastly improved storage and distribution of products.