Safe and efficient storage of samples—whether chemical, biological, or clinical—is an integral, yet sometimes overlooked, part of laboratory work from drug discovery to clinical trials. The goal is straightforward: faithfully preserve materials for later use or analysis. The execution can be notably trickier, especially as collections grow and the tracking and movement of samples becomes […]
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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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Understanding the subtle difference between extractables and leachables is important when selecting sample storage tubes and polypropylene storage microplates. Both can be present in inferior products due to poor manufacturing techniques, but more importantly they can be avoided entirely. Extractables Extractables are chemical species or compounds that can be extracted from a primary container or […]
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Earth. Wind. Fire. Water. These classical elements can cause major destruction to laboratories all over the world. So, it’s wise to have a business continuity plan in place to prevent or offset the devastation that can result from them. Even if your business is in the lab. Whether it is a massive fire, a hurricane […]
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As pharmaceutical and biological research increases, biorepositories are becoming an important component of many research programs. Biorepositories store and catalog biological samples for future use, so it is essential that biorepositories follow current management best-practices and meet stringent regulatory requirements for the handling and use of biological specimens, particularly when human subjects are involved. The […]
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Using the word “shutdown” in the same sentence as research laboratory, academic facility, or pharmaceutical company seems absurd. But shutdowns are often necessary. They are highly complex, planned or unplanned, and each comes with its risks – especially when working with research samples. Details Matter During a Shutdown A temporary shutdown can be arranged for […]
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Good storage practices of biological materials is an essential component of any laboratory. Biological samples often degrade over time when stored at room temperature, but some samples may also lose integrity at low temperatures if subjected to multiple freeze-thaw cycles. The best storage temperature for a given biological sample or reagent often varies depending on […]
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Clinical trials take years. In some cases—a decade or more. The need for shorter clinical study timelines from the bench to the bedside is critical because it means patients get access to new treatments faster. Besides the enormous amount of time involved, this level of research requires funding. Upwards of hundreds of millions of dollars […]
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Academic biobanks support preclinical and translational research by collecting, storing, analyzing, and distributing biological samples and associated data to academic and industry researchers. And in fact, hundreds of academic biobanks have been established over the past decade to support the growing emphasis on personalized medicine, genetic and genomic research, biomarker identification, and companion diagnostic development.1 […]
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As the demand for biospecimens continues to increase, biorepositories must develop strategies to optimize utility, efficiency, and scope of their biosample collections. Modern technology solutions must not only address sample tracking and annotation but also enable sample sharing wherever possible. How can this be implemented? Biorepositories and Biobanks Modernized Research Strategies Once upon a time, […]
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