Cryobiology
Cryobiology is a process of freezing of cells, tissues and organs at very low temperatures and preserving their viability for purposes of long-term storage.
Cryopal cryopreservation vessels are compliant with the Medical Device Class IIa requirements. Cryopal offers biological storage vessels for cryopreservation in nitrogen, both liquid and vapour phase. Maintaining the temperature lower than -130°C is vital for successful biological sample storage. Liquid nitrogen can reach the temperature as low as -196°C. What is better though, to store in liquid nitrogen or nitrogen gas? Both methods have their own advantages.
Smaller batches of biological samples
Low-volume aluminium vessels for smaller batches of biological samples. Preserved in liquid nitrogen. Small vessels allow for quick sample access, no level nor temperature control is required.
Larger batches of biological samples
For larger batches of biological samples larges vessels filled with liquid nitrogen are used. These are equipped with automatic liquid nitrogen filling temperature monitoring systems.
Preservation of biological samples in liquid nitrogen gas
A few issues are related to storing biological samples in nitrogen vapour. The risk of pathogenic cross-contamination of the samples increases. When immersing the sample rack in the liquid nitrogen, the latter might leak into the improperly closed sample vials during storage. Upon pulling upward the sample rack and nitrogen evaporating, the improperly closed vial may break, contaminating the sample and injuring the person carrying out the task. All these potential issues can be prevented by using nitrogen gas storage vessels. These vessels are designed with a small-diameter neck for sample placement, as a result of which the heat inflow through the efficient vacuum chamber is minimised. Minimised heat inflow allows these vessels to maintain the inside temperature substantially lower, compared to regular vessels. Some narrow-neck freezers maintain the temperature below the vessel lid as low as -190°C.
Cryopreservation room
For extra-large storing capacity of biological samples an entire cryopreservation room can be installed. When designing a cryopreservation room, the existing and future needs should be defined first. The most convenient way is to locate the room on the ground floor of the building to ensure that large capacity vessels will not have to be transported in the elevator and it will be easier to deliver constant operating pressure. Flooring materials and ventilation systems must be compliant with certain safety requirements. A considerable focus is put on the installation of the door to the cryopreservation room. As liquid nitrogen is a colourless, tasteless, odourless gas, therefore oxygen monitoring is a must in any cryopreservation room! Oxygen monitors must be installed in right places and all systems in the entire cryopreservation room should be monitored and supervised at all times.
Contact us
