A screening support method of cryoprotective agents for regenerative medical products considering environmental impacts

• Published in: Chemical engineering research & design 2023-03, Vol.191, p.83-92
• Main Authors: Hayashi, Yusuke, Shigeyama, Akinori, Sugiyama, Hirokazu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cryopreservation; Life cycle assessment; Molecular design; Process matrix; Statistical analysis; Stem cells
• ISSN: 0263-8762
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2023.01.021

We present a screening support method of cryoprotective agents (CPAs) for regenerative medical products considering environmental impacts. A process matrix was developed that can analyze raw materials of CPA candidate compounds systematically. Life cycle assessment provided the basis for the environmental impact assessment of 13 categories. Using the developed process matrix, 40 CPA candidate compounds were classified into seven groups based on the raw materials. Statistical hypothesis testing was performed to evaluate the effect of raw materials on the environmental impacts and the physical performance. The results showed that the environmental impacts of the agricultural and livestock origin group were higher than those of the natural resource origin group. By contrast, the physical performance of the natural resource origin group was significantly higher than that of the agricultural and livestock origin group. The developed screening support method could be conceptually applied to new CPA candidate compounds. •We created a screening support method of CPAs considering environmental impacts.•A process matrix was developed that helps determine the raw materials of CPAs.•We performed an environmental impact assessment of 40 CPA candidate compounds.•The importance of considering the raw materials is highlighted.•We applied the developed method to new CPA candidate compounds conceptually.