Abstract

Encapsulation of microorganisms is a promising strategy in biomedical and industrial applications to enhance stability, reusability, and functionality. However, the cryopreservation of microorganism-encapsulated materials still represents a formidable challenge because of the mechanical and osmotic damage caused by inevitable ice formation at subzero temperatures. In this study, we developed a hydrophobic antifreeze material (organogel-AFPT) specifically for oleaginous microorganisms, following the principle of reducing the overall water content of the system and inhibiting ice nucleation and growth. By the cryoprotection of organogel-AFPT, 94% survival rate of Yarrowia lipolytica (Y. lipolytica) can be achieved after cryopreservation at −196 °C. It is also found that the organogel-AFPT can serve as a convenient platform for information encryption and decryption. The findings in this work provide a new strategy for the development of antifreeze living materials.