Yuliia S. Pakhomova
PhD (Biology), Senior Researcher
History of the Laboratory
The Laboratory of Cryoprotectants of the Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the NAS of Ukraine was founded in 1973;
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UUntil 1984, it was headed by Dr. Maria I. Shrago, a prominent cryobiologist and founder of a scientific school dedicated to the comprehensive study of cryoprotectants, particularly their properties and toxicity. From 1985 to 2000, the Department was led by Prof. Volodymyr Lugovoy. Under his leadership, extensive research was carried out on novel multicomponent cryopreservatives based on polyols and amides.
From 2000 to 2024, the Department—later reorganized into the Laboratory—was headed by Prof. Antonina M. Kompaniets. During this period, research focused on the development of cryopreservative formulations based on glycerol, 1,2‑propanediol, and polyvinyl alcohol for the cryopreservation of human red blood cells.
RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
A promising direction in the development of novel, more efficient cryoprotective media is the incorporation of synthetic compounds—specifically, recrystallization inhibitors that mimic the action of natural antifreeze proteins by suppressing ice recrystallization during thawing. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is currently recognized as one of the most effective agents of this class.
A fundamentally new strategic approach for the next 4–5 years involves designing advanced cryopreservative formulations that combine amphiphilic and hydrophilic cryoprotectants (1,2‑propanediol and glycerol) with polyvinyl alcohols of 9 and 31 kDa. This combination enhances control over ice crystal formation during the cryopreservation of human erythrocytes.
The phenomenon of cluster crystallization in cryoprotective solutions near their vitrification temperatures has been experimentally demonstrated and theoretically described. It has been shown that, at these low temperatures, ice microcrystals may form via a homogeneous mechanism without disruption of hydrogen bonding between water molecules and the cryoprotective agent. State diagrams delineating the domain of existence of this cluster phase have been constructed. The potential contribution of cluster crystallization to mechanisms of cryoinjury in biological systems preserved in aqueous cryoprotectant solutions has also been investigated.
LABORATORY STAFF
Oleksandr I. Osetskyi, Doctor of Sciences (Physics and Mathematics), Prof., Leading Researcher. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1898-4808
Yuliia S. Pakhomova, PhD (Biology), Senior Researcher. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2682-3796
Valentyna Chekanova, PhD (Biology), Senior Researcher. ORCID: https://orcid.org/009-0007-3031-8974
Yuliia Danylenko, PhD (Engineering), Senior Researcher
Oleksii T. Hodko, Junior Researched. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2496-9150
Hanna Diakonenko, Ist Category Engineer
Contact information
Yuliia S. Pakhomova
Yu.S.Pakhomova@nas.gov.ua
+38 (057) 373-41-43
