Solukokoelma

Solukokoelma is a Finnish term that literally means "cell collection" and is used to describe curated assemblages of cells or tissue samples held for research, diagnostic, educational or conservation purposes. Such collections may consist of primary cells, immortalized cell lines, tissue biopsies, blood derivatives, microbial cultures or fixed cytological preparations. They are maintained by academic institutions, biobanks, culture collections and commercial repositories.

The primary functions of a solukokoelma are to preserve biological material for future study, to provide authenticated reference material for reproducible research, and to support clinical diagnostics and drug development. Proper management includes standardized sampling procedures, cataloguing with metadata (donor information, tissue origin, passage history), authentication (genetic profiling, contamination screening) and secure storage.

Preservation methods vary by material type: cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen with cryoprotectants such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is common for viable cells, while formalin fixation or freezing is used for tissues and cytology samples. Quality control procedures monitor viability, sterility and genetic stability over time.

Solukokoelmat are subject to ethical, legal and biosafety considerations. Collection and use typically require informed consent or legal authorization, governance of access and sharing, data protection for personal information, and compliance with biosafety regulations. Material transfer agreements and national or international guidelines help regulate distribution. Well-managed cell collections are essential resources that underpin basic research, translational science and public health.