A virus to identify small peptide mimics of antifreeze proteins

© 2021 EPFL - Scientists at EPFL and the University of Warwick have used a virus to identify a peptide that can serve the same function as antifreeze proteins. By preventing ice formation, the compound could play a key role in preserving cells and organ transplants and in food conservation. Some organisms have developed special "antifreeze" proteins that let them survive in sub-zero temperatures. These proteins prevent ice formation by binding to ice crystals as soon as they appear. But exactly how they work remains a mystery. "Ice formation is a major threat to organisms because it destroys their cells and eventually kills them," says Corey Stevens, a scientist at the Polymers Laboratory in EPFL's School of Engineering. A key role in cell and tissue preservation The threat of ice formation is a major obstacle in many fields, and especially when it comes to storing human blood, cells and even organs for transplant.