We develop advanced cryopreservation protocols for marine biological resources: model organisms such as jellyfish, polychaetes, copepods and algae, and commercially important invertebrates such as mussels, clams, sea urchins and cephalopods. We also carry out theoretical research and basic cryobiology with fish.
This research seeks relevant applications in aquaculture and biodiversity conservation. We also analyse in detail the cryobiological processes and their theoretical parameters in recalcitrant organisms and cells, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the cryobiology of aquatic organisms.
Researcher
- Estefanía Paredes Rosendo (coordinator). ECOCOST (EZ1). Ramón y Cajal fellowship, until 2029.
Techniques and services we offer
- Development and optimisation of cryopreservation protocols for marine organisms.
- Cryopreservation of microalgae, gametes, embryos, larvae and juveniles.
- Assessment of post-thaw viability, survival and biological quality.
- Design of biobanking strategies and conservation of marine genetic resources.
- Technology transfer and scale-up of protocols for aquaculture and biological collections.
- Scientific and technical advice and specialised training in marine cryobiology.
More information
- CryoLab: cryolab.webs.uvigo.es
- Coastal Ecology Research Group (ECOCOST): ecocost.uvigo.gal
Selected publications
- Lago, A., Troncoso, J., & Paredes, E. (2026). Cryopreservation of Aurelia aurita larvae, a new model for understanding cryobiology in high-water content marine species. Cryobiology, 123, 105628. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cryobiol.2026.105628
- Paredes, E., Berhane Getachew, N., Bezares-Calderón, L. A., Campos, S., Belokurov, A., & Tessmar-Raible, K. (2026). Cryopreservation of Platynereis dumerilii larvae. Cryobiology, 122, 105544. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105544
- Paredes, E., Heres, P., Campos, S., Lago, A., Anjos, C., & Cabrita, E. (2026). Cryopreservation of marine invertebrates: From sperm to organismal cryopreservation. In W. F. Wolkers & H. Oldenhof (Eds.), Cryopreservation and Freeze-Drying Protocols (pp. 483–503). Springer US. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-5416-3_20
- Campos, S., Rodríguez, U., Troncoso, J., & Paredes, E. (2025). Understanding osmoregulation, cryoprotectant toxicity, and cold tolerance in sea urchin eggs: Implications for cryopreservation. Cryobiology, 119, 105235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105235