Carbon Nanomaterials Enhance Survival of Agapanthus Praecox Callus After Cryopreservation by Vitrification

BACKGROUND: Adding exogenous compounds is an effective way to improve cell survival after cryopreservation. Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) are novel exogenous substances with small particle size and good biocompatibility. OBJECTIVE: In this work, four types of CNMs were used for the cryopreservation of Agapanthus praecox callus and their possible effects and mechanism of action were analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The thermal properties of the vitrification solutions tested were detected by differential scanning calorimetry. Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses were used to study the distribution of CNMs inside cells. The MDA/H₂O₂ contents were measured to evaluate the toxicity of CNMs to cells. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Supplementation of PVS2 with various CNMs at different concentrations could enhance survival. The most effective concentration was 0.3 g/L C₆₀, which increased survival by 159% compared to untreated controls and decreased the MDA and H₂O₂ contents. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and C₆₀ entered callus cells. C₆₀ was found only in mitochondria, whereas SWCNTs were located only around the cell walls.