1. Substances that protect biological materials from damage caused by freezing and thawing, commonly used in cryopreservation of cells, tissues, and organs.
Usage: technical; plural form; singular is cryoprotectant; commonly used in medical and biological research

Examples

• Glycerol and dimethyl sulfoxide are widely used cryoprotectants in laboratory settings.
• The research team added cryoprotectants to the cell suspension before freezing.
• Cryoprotectants reduce ice crystal formation that would otherwise damage delicate tissues.
• Modern fertility clinics rely on cryoprotectants to preserve embryos for future use.
• Scientists are developing new cryoprotectants that work more effectively at lower concentrations.
• The effectiveness of cryoprotectants depends on the type of biological material being preserved.