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• Cryogenic Equipment & Storage Vessels
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Cryopreservation

Cryopreservation (storage at very low temperatures) is the most effective way of preserving biological materials. 

BOC offers a wide range of products and services to the cryopreservation market.

Cryopreservation temperatures

At approximately -135°C the ageing process of biological material is effectively stopped and the material can be stored almost indefinitely.

This is called the 'glass transition temperature'. 

The lower the storage temperature below -135oC, the greater the safety margin. Liquid nitrogen (-196°C) is the preferred medium for preserving samples.

Cross-contamination

Although storage in liquid nitrogen offers stable low temperatures, it is known that cross-contamination of samples can occur through the nitrogen itself and the liquid poses safety risks to users. 

We recommend the use of a system such as BOC's DryStore freezer, where samples are cooled by liquid nitrogen, but are not in direct contact with it.

Cryobank engineering services

BOC's engineers can design, install and test the infrastructure required for a cryobank.  This includes liquid storage vessels, distribution systems and pipe work, plus safety and control systems. 

Talk to BOC in the early stages of planning for our advice on the safest and most practical way to plan a cryobank.