1. serving to protect living cells or tissues from damage caused by freezing or very low temperatures
Usage: technical; scientific

Examples

• Cryoprotective agents like glycerol are used to preserve biological samples at ultra-low temperatures.
• The cryoprotective properties of certain compounds allow cells to survive the freezing process.
• Researchers added cryoprotective solutions to the tissue before storing it in liquid nitrogen.
• Dimethyl sulfoxide is a common cryoprotective substance used in cell banking.
• The cryoprotective mechanism works by reducing ice crystal formation inside cells.