Introduction to macroporous cryogels.

Cryogels are highly elastic three-dimensional materials consisting of a network of interconnected macropores. This unique morphology combined with high mechanical and chemical stability provides excellent mass flow properties. The matrices are synthesized at subzero temperatures from almost any gel-forming precursor. The main fields of application are in biotechnology as 3D-scaffold for cell cultivation, and tissue engineering, or bioseparation as chromatographic media for the separation and purification of biomolecules. This chapter briefly highlights the preparation, properties, and application of these materials.