Figure 1. Isothermal vitrification methodology and matrix.

(A) Schematic for sample stabilization methodology: 150 μL of serum sample to be stored is added to 250±5 mg lyoprotectant matrix in 24-well plate. Before desiccation, the protein biomarker in serum (inset) hydrogen bonds with water molecules (light gray spheres). The sample is desiccated in vacuum where the water molecules are replaced with excipient molecules (inset; black spheres). Isothermal vitrification raises sample T_g allowing for storage at RT. Sample is re-hydrated for biomarker analysis. The optimal result is the preservation of the biomarker such that comparable level before and after desiccation is achieved (P>0.05). The protein image (inset) was obtained from the RCSB PDB (www.rcsb.org), PDB ID 4HW5 (G. Bajic, L. Yatime, A. Klos, G.R. Andersen (2013) structure of Human C3a Protein Sci 22: 204–212) and the figure generated with Pymol (DeLano, W. L. (2002) The PyMOL Molecular Graphics System. DeLano Scientific)⁶⁵,⁶⁶ (B) The matrix packaged in a 24-well plate, ready for use (C) SEM image of the electrospun adsorbing/dissolving matrix.