X-Message-Number: 22004
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 11:28:45 -0700 (PDT)
From: Doug Skrecky <>
Subject: alternate methods

 I'm still convinced that anhydrobiosis (life without water) is the
ultimate way to go. Small amimals such as nematodes, brine shrimp (eggs)
hold the secret for reversible vitrification.
 However individual human cells have survived complete desiccation
(Cryobiology 42, 207-217 2001). Quote:
"cells dried slowly and stored under vacuum are able to withstand
desiccation even in the absence of added carbohydrates or polyols."

 If this were to be used as the basis for a preservation protocol for
a whole mammal then the procedure might go something like this:
#1. Preservation procedure (below) is started before subject expires.
#2. After anesthesia, an artificial blood substitute is perfused into the
subject to prevent anoxia.
#3. Gradually over a period of several days a sugar or polyol known to
prevent desiccation damage is progressively added to blood substitute,
which continues to circulate.
#4. Temperature is reduced to below zero, but above the (now reduced)
freezing point of the body. Body becomes somewhat stiff due to the low
temperature.
#5. Blood substitute/sugar/polyol mixture is replaced by compressed moist
air.
#6. Desiccation of subject's body is completed over a period of several
more days during which air continues to be pumped into the body.
#7. Dried body with still "live" cells is placed in dry ice cold storage.
#8. Process is reversed, and subject is resuscitated.

Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=22004