Many people believe that once cells are stored at low temperatures, cryopreservation is “done.”
However, the true challenge lies in what comes next — evaluation and recovery. In fact, insufficient assessment or improper handling during transfer can significantly affect cell viability. This article highlights two critical aspects of cryopreservation: how to evaluate the preservation outcome and how to safely transport frozen samples.
Why is evaluation important?
No matter which cryopreservation solution or freezing protocol is used, the outcomes can vary across cell types and formulations. For new operators, unfamiliar samples, or a newly adopted cryoprotectant, it’s essential to verify that the freezing and recovery process meets the expected preservation quality.
How long should the evaluation take?
Some users prefer to test after three to six months to match their real sample storage duration. While reasonable, this approach is inefficient.
Extensive data show that two weeks of stable storage can simulate the results of three months under proper cryogenic conditions, provided no temperature fluctuations or transfers occur.
Therefore, we recommend:
For new cryopreservation solutions or protocols, conduct 1–4 weeks of test storage.
For long-term storage applications (e.g., hospital biobanks), perform short-term validation first, then periodic sampling to ensure stability over time.
This strategy allows for quick feedback, faster optimization, and improved research efficiency.
Potential risks during transport
Whether repositioning samples in a liquid nitrogen tank or shipping them via cold chain, movement inevitably causes temperature shifts and vibration. These changes can trigger ice crystal formation, leading to:
Cell membrane damage
Organelle rupture
Osmotic imbalance
As a result, cells may lose viability or function.
How to minimize transport-related damage
The key is to minimize movement and temperature variation:
For standard laboratory samples, brief transfers are generally tolerable.
For industrial or valuable biological materials, when transport is unavoidable, use a cryopreservation solution featuring ice-control technology.
Traditional vitrification methods primarily regulate the cooling phase but cannot fully prevent ice crystal growth during transport.
In contrast, ice-control technology manages both the size and growth rate of ice crystals, significantly reducing cryogenic damage and maintaining sample integrity.
Cryopreservation is far more than “keeping samples cold.”
It is a systematic process that involves proper evaluation, optimized freezing methods, and controlled transport. Choosing the right cryopreservation solution and workflow is essential to ensure long-term sample viability and reliability.
CellStore specializes in high-quality cryopreservation solutions and advanced ice-control technology.
With a strong R&D foundation and a dedicated laboratory team, CellStore provides reliable, efficient preservation solutions for research institutions, biopharmaceutical companies, and hospital biobanks worldwide.
Learn more about our cryopreservation innovations at CellStore Official Website.
