A Highly Effective and Cost-Efficient Antifreeze Protein

Antifreeze polypeptides that inhibit ice crystal growth are effective at µg concentrations.

• The polypeptides are made from the amino acids alanine (Ala) and glutamic acid (Glu).
• They remain stable after thermal events and are biodegradable and nontoxic to human cells.
• Mirror-image versions of these polypeptides resist degradation and are suited for long-lasting applications.
• The α-helical shape of the polypeptides contributes to their ability to prevent ice crystal growth, while their chirality does not impact this function.
• In initial tests, the polypeptides prevented damage to model protein therapeutics during freeze-thaw cycles and showed potential for use in frozen food products.

Simplified