Sleeping for 57 years, in the movie Alien it was possible. That piece of movie magic cannot yet be imitated, but a lot of research is being done into it. Hogervorst does this, for example, with ice-binding proteins, which are also called antifreeze. “These proteins occur in animals and plants that can survive cold,” explains the TU Eindhoven researcher.
Fish and frogs
Ice formation can damage cells, says Hogervorst. That is why it is not yet possible to freeze people, but animals actually already do it. For example, there are fish and frogs that allow themselves to be frozen, only to come back to life a few months later. “We are investigating how proteins can prevent this by influencing shape and size.”
Breakthrough
“The most important thing is to protect cells during freezing. Some cells can be reasonably frozen, but others cannot, and all cells are needed in their original location,” Hogervorst continues. “Current breakthroughs focus on quickly heating and cooling small organs, such as mouse kidneys, using special techniques. However, this is not yet applicable to larger human organs or entire people.”
‘How cold?’
Hogervorst and TU Eindhoven are trying to find out how proteins can influence the shape of ice crystals and what properties these proteins have. “The question is how cold it must be for 75 years of freezing. The goal is to discover those properties,” says Hogervorst. And when can we expect the first frozen human? “That remains unknown for the time being and possibly science fiction.”
