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Category: Cold-Chain Logistics

The Benefits of Automating Cold Chain Infrastructure for Cryogenic Sample Management

Automation plays a vital role in the manufacturing process of advanced therapies, yet the cold chain infrastructure has often been overlooked. While automated solutions are sometimes perceived as expensive alternatives, recent studies have demonstrated the tangible benefits of automating cold chain processes, including time efficiencies and improved process rigor. This article explores a study conducted […]

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Expert Insights on Cryopreservation and Transient Warming from Dr. Jason Acker

An Interview with Cryobiology Expert Dr. Jason Acker Freezing is stressful for mammalian cells – to say the least. Cells face potentially dangerous ice crystals and severe dehydration when cooled to very low temperatures. Yet, by carefully configuring a cryopreservation protocol, cells can be shielded from injury. Thanks to discoveries in cryobiology, scientists have preserved […]

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Considerations for Protecting Cell Viability During Cryopreservation

Cryopreservation extends the viability of cells by cooling them to extremely low temperatures and thus keeping them in a safe, biochemically inactive state. This process gives much-needed flexibility to researchers and those developing cell-based therapies. The latter involves collecting living cells from donors, transporting them to manufacturing sites for processing or screening, and then delivering […]

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Cryostorage for Cell Therapies: Addressing Standardization Obstacles

When Pfizer initially released its COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, distributing it was a major challenge. Scientists thought that the vaccine had to be stored at -70°C, requiring dry ice or ultra-cold freezers. At scale, explains David Lewandowski, Azenta’s ‪Strategic Partnerships Manager for Automated Storage, “Temperature matters. The warmer it is, the easier it is [to deliver […]

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Installing and Maintaining LN2 Equipment

Part 3 of our A Practical Guide to Planning a Cryogenic Storage Facility Series In our previous blog post, we uncovered key safety considerations and why monitoring your LN2 facility and storage units is imperative in ensuring the safety of your facility. In this part of our blog series, we lay out the key factors to […]

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Biobanking Quality Management Systems and Best Practices

Part 2 of our Protecting Complete Chain of Custody Series As we discussed in our last post, the Role of Biobanking in Protecting Sample Chain of Custody, biobanks serve as biospecimen libraries as well as sample data, validation, and reference sources for both research and clinical labs. Like any part of a controlled process, establishment of a quality […]

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Monitoring Your LN2 Facility and Storage Units

Part 2 of our A Practical Guide to Planning a Cryogenic Storage Facility Series In our previous post, we covered several key considerations for selecting the appropriate space and equipment when designing your cryogenic storage facility. In this post, we will highlight how to ensure the safety of your facility. Did you know that a proper […]

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Role of Biobanking in Protecting Sample Chain of Custody

Part 1 of our Protecting Complete Chain of Custody Series As key components of the research ecosystem, biobanks share a vital function and critical responsibility in the protection of biospecimens. They are centralized members in the chain of custody for samples, and as such, have an impact on both upstream and downstream portions of the molecular biologist’s […]

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Designing and Equipping Your LN2 Facility

Part 1 of our A Practical Guide to Planning a Cryogenic Storage Facility Series Storing biological materials, especially living cells and tissues, can be a complicated process. Improper handling or storage conditions can damage cells, reducing viability and compromising their utility in downstream applications. Keeping specimens below -135°C, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of water, […]

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The Cold Truth About Storing and Managing Advanced Therapies

Manufacturing and distribution of advanced therapies relies on stable low temperatures. Cellular products and other biological materials are often stored below -135°C, the glass transition temperature of water (Tg), where enzymatic activity is believed to cease. Routine handling in and out of storage can expose materials to temperatures above Tg, leading to degradation and reduced […]

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