‘Snow flea antifreeze protein’ could help improve organ preservation
July 22, 2008 | Source: PhysOrg.com
University of Chicago and University of Pennsylvania researchers have synthesized an antifreeze protein–snow flea antifreeze protein (sfAFP)–used by Canadian snow fleas to survive sub-freezing winter temperatures.
Their results may allow large quantities of the protein to be made, allowing for potential medical and commercial uses, such as extending the storage life of donor organs and preventing ice-crystal formation in ice cream and other foods.