Inhibition of recrystallization

Abstract

The growth of ice crystals during a recrystallization process is a threat to many natural organisms living at sub-zero temperatures. Especially freeze-tolerant organisms, which have to cope with the presence of ice crystals in their body cavities, have evolved protection mechanisms that can be attributed to recrystallization inhibition. The following chapter discusses the putative survival strategy of recrystallization inhibition and presents exemplarily species that supposedly produce special molecules in order to stop recrystallization. Furthermore, the fundamental background of recrystallization and recrystallization inhibition is discussed within the context of these organisms and strategies. The effects of antifreeze proteins and also of non-ice binding recrystallization inhibitors are presented. In addition, several experimental methods are shown and discussed regarding possible artefacts. Using these techniques, non-natural recrystallization inhibitors have been found, which are presented in the final part of this chapter.