Dimethyl sulfoxide is an organo sulfur compound which is weakly acidic, and can dissolve both polar and non-polar compounds. For experimental purposes, cells are often stored under -800C or even in liquid nitrogen storage. However, the freezing could potentially harm the cells or reduce its activity. Up to 90% of tissues, organs, and suspended cells will become inactive if there is no DMSO to preserve them. Therefore, DMSO is often used in cell media to protect the cells from forming ice crystals and thereby preventing cell damage and death during freezing process. It is often added directly to the cells, or tissue for the freezing storage. However, in this experiment, DMSO has been incorporated with the polymer solution and has been encapsulated
