kriopreparaate

Cryopreparates (Estonian: kriopreparaadid) are biological samples preserved at cryogenic temperatures to halt biological processes and enable long-term storage. They are prepared for later use in research, diagnostics, or clinical procedures and can include a wide range of material such as cells, tissues, or embryos.

Common types include sperm and oocytes, embryos, stem cells, tissue biopsies, and nucleic acids. Some samples include plasma or serum aliquots.

Preservation uses cryoprotectants and controlled-rate freezing or vitrification to minimize ice crystal formation that can damage cells. Cryoprotectants like glycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), or ethylene glycol protect cells during cooling but may be toxic, requiring careful handling.

Storage conditions include liquid nitrogen tanks at about -196°C or specialized freezers at -135 to -150°C. Proper labeling, inventory management, and chain-of-custody are essential to ensure traceability and prevent sample misidentification.

Applications include assisted reproductive technology, biobanking for medical research, regenerative medicine, pharmaceutical development, and preservation of valuable samples for future use.

Considerations include variable post-thaw viability among sample types, the potential toxicity of cryoprotectants, and regulatory and ethical requirements related to consent, privacy, and access. Quality control, standard operating procedures, and proper facility infrastructure are essential.