Objective Several organisms have evolved specialized ice binding proteins (IBPs) that prevent their body fluids from freezing (antifreeze proteins, AFPs), inhibit recrystallization of ice in frozen tissues, or initiate freezing at moderate supercooling temperatures (ice nucleating proteins, INPs). These proteins have many potential applications in agriculture, food preservation, cryobiology, and biomedical science. The ubiquitous presence of IBPs in such organisms indicates the power of these molecules to enable survival under cold conditions. Despite this key role in nature, however, IBPs have been effectively exploited in only one cryopreservation application, namely, recrystallization inhibition in ice cream. Several terrestrial organisms, including insects, have developed very active forms of AFPs. These hyperactive AFPs (hypAFPs) have not been utilized significantly thus far in cryopreservation techniques. The gap between the obvious potential of IBPs and their actual applications stems from a lack of knowledge regarding the mechanisms by which IBPs interact with ice surfaces and how these proteins can assist in cryoprotection. I propose to investigate the mechanism by which IBPs inhibit ice crystallization and the use of such proteins for cryopreserving cells, tissues, and organisms. My group has a strong record in the study of the interactions between IBPs and ice using novel methods that we have developed, including fluorescence microscopy techniques combined with cooled microfluidic devices. We will investigate the interactions of AFPs with ice and the use of hypAFPs in cryopreservation procedures. This research will contribute to an understanding of the mechanisms by which IBPs act, and apply the acquired knowledge to cryopreservation. The successful implementation of IBPs in cryopreservation would revolutionize the field of cryobiology, with enormous implications for cryopreservation applications in general and the frozen and chilled food industry in particular. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopyagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturenatural sciencesbiological scienceszoologyentomology Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-LS9 - ERC Starting Grant - Applied life sciences and biotechnology Call for proposal ERC-2011-StG_20101109 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Coordinator THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM Address Edmond j safra campus givat ram 91904 Jerusalem Israel See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Ido Braslavsky (Dr.) Administrative Contact Hani Ben-Yehuda (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM Israel EU contribution € 1 500 000,00 Address Edmond j safra campus givat ram 91904 Jerusalem See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Ido Braslavsky (Dr.) Administrative Contact Hani Ben-Yehuda (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Other funding No data
