How to Create the Right Conditions for Successful Cryopreservation
Cryopreservation refers to the process of storing biological samples at low temperatures to preserve their structural integrity and functions for an indefinite period. This critical procedure has dozens of clinical applications, including in vitro fertilization. The ability to preserve living organisms, cells, and tissues for scientific or medical use has helped the health care industry make a lot of progress. Although cryopreservation is generally a straightforward and efficient process, it requires specific conditions.
How to create the right conditions for successful cryopreservation?
Read on to learn more.
Find Efficient Storage Solutions
Cryogenic preservation became possible due to liquid nitrogen storage solutions. The explanation is simple: liquid nitrogen offers excellent storage capability for indefinite amounts of time. An ln2 tank provides the ideal conditions for successful cryopreservation in a laboratory setting.
An important aspect to consider is the risk of cross-contamination. The most advanced and innovative liquid nitrogen tanks and freezers eliminate this risk by design.
Choose the Correct Cryoprotectant Agent
Cryoprotectant agents (CPA) have a fundamental role in successful cryopreservation. Cryoprotectants are chemical compounds that prevent biological samples such as tissues or cells from being damaged during the freezing process. Choosing the proper cryoprotectants and their concentration can be a challenging task. Elevated concentration of cryoprotectant agent can cause cytotoxicity and affect sample viability. Concentration is thus a crucial detail that should be carefully considered.
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is one of the most commonly used CPAs. Glycerol and propylene glycol are also popular options. These agents can protect the cells and tissues from ice crystals as the temperature in the storage medium drops. A cryoprotectant agent in the correct dosage can ensure cell survival.
Control the Rate of Freezing
Cells are sensitive to temperature changes. Therefore, rapid colling may prove harmful due to exposing the samples to thermal shock. Avoiding intracellular ice is critical for successful cryopreservation. The only way to prevent damage is to cool the samples slowly, causing partial dehydration.
The correct cooling rate is the one that allows the samples the time to dehydrate. Before transferring the samples to liquid nitrogen, they need to adapt to lower and lower temperatures. The standard cooling rate is about 11°C/min. A controlled freezing rate allows biological samples to remain viable post-thaw.
Final Words
Successful cryopreservation is impossible without proper equipment. The journey from an incubator to a liquid nitrogen tank can be challenging for a cell, considering the drastic temperature changes. The temperature difference can be higher than 200°C. While low temperatures provide the perfect environment for cell preservation, it’s critical to create the right conditions to ensure cell adaptability.
What is the correct choice and concentration of cryoprotectant agent? At what temperature should it be added? What is the ideal freezing rate before moving the samples to cryogenic storage? These questions should have a clear answer before initiating a cryopreservation procedure.
Cryopreservation has made many medical procedures possible. Its applications will likely expand even more in the future, bringing progress in many key research areas, such as cell therapy. Thus, cryopreservation can help us solve many current scientific or medical dilemmas.
