Natural Cryoprotective and Cytoprotective Agents in Cryopreservation: A Focus on Melatonin
Giada Marcantonini, Desirée Bartolini, Linda Zatini, Stefania Costa, Massimiliano Passerini, Mario Rende, Giovanni Luca, Giuseppe Basta, Giuseppe Murdolo, Riccardo Calafiore, Francesco Galli
Abstract
Cryoprotective and cytoprotective agents (Cytoprotective Agents) are fundamental components of the cryopreservation process. This review presents the essentials of the cryopreservation process by examining its drawbacks and the role of cytoprotective agents in protecting cell physiology. Natural cryoprotective and cytoprotective agents, such as antifreeze proteins, sugars and natural deep eutectic systems, have been compared with synthetic ones, addressing their mechanisms of action and efficacy of protection. The final part of this article focuses melatonin, a hormonal substance with antioxidant properties, and its emerging role as a cytoprotective agent for somatic cells and gametes, including ovarian tissue, spermatozoa and spermatogonial stem cells.