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Category: Cryopreservation


Announcing New Names for the Azenta Family of Ambient to Low, Ultra-low, and Cryogenic Automated Storage Systems

Industry-Leading Automated Sample Storage Renamed: SampleArc™, BioArc™, and CryoArc™ Systems Azenta Life Sciences is pleased to announce new names for its family of industry-leading automated storage solutions, including SampleArc systems for ambient to -20°C storage, BioArc systems for -80°C storage, and CryoArc systems for cryogenic temperature storage down to -190°C. In addition, the Store Controller […]

Six Steps for a Successful Transition to Automated Cryogenic Storage

Imagine a scenario where a prominent life sciences company safeguards 573,000 biological samples collected two decades ago during a groundbreaking study. Today, these samples rest in a tucked-away basement of a modest laboratory, nestled among numerous cryogenic freezers within a section of the building inaccessible to anyone involved in the original research. The samples intermingle […]

Maximizing Efficiency and Space Savings: The Power of Automated Sample Storage

In life sciences, safely storing fragile, precious biological samples and other types of temperature-sensitive materials requires consistent processes and reliable technology. In a previous blog, we discussed how automated sample storage systems offer significant advantages over manual methods. These systems not only protect sample integrity but also conserve resources and optimize sample management processes. In this […]

Addressing Challenges in Cryopreservation to Advance Cell and Gene Therapies

The field of cell and gene therapy (CGT) is experiencing an exciting transformation, marked by the recent FDA approval for the first CRISPR-based sickle cell treatment. As the CGT landscape rapidly expands, it’s important for stakeholders to address the challenges of scalability head-on. Cryopreservation emerges as a critical yet understated element in the scalability equation, essential for […]

7 Key Emergent Trends in Cryopreservation

The ever-expanding horizon of medical research and healthcare delivery owes a significant debt to the technological advancements that have shaped the industry. Among the many innovations, cryopreservation stands out as a pivotal technique that preserves the integrity and functionality of biological specimens over extended periods. By freezing cells, tissues, and even whole organs at sub-zero […]

Navigating the Complex Landscape of Cell and Gene Therapies: The Role of Automated Sample Storage Solutions

Recap of an Interview with David Lewandowski, Azenta Life Sciences, and Carol Houts, Chief Strategy Officer at Germfree, in partnership with Phacilitate The cutting-edge domain of cell and gene therapies is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with innovative technologies and groundbreaking treatments promising to revolutionize healthcare. However, as these therapies continue to advance, so do the challenges surrounding […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]