Revolutionising cryogenic storage: How the latest advancements can benefit you
Cryogenic sample storage technology has evolved significantly to meet the growing demands of users, especially in biopharma and similar industries, where stringent regulatory compliance and operational efficiency are paramount. The transition from small scale storage in aluminium vessels to large stainless-steel freezers reflects the increasing need for high-capacity, efficient vapour-phase storage that can safeguard valuable biological materials.
So, what has changed?
Key Changes in Cryogenic Freezer Technology:
- Material and Design Evolution:
Aluminium Freezers: Initially designed for smaller-scale storage, Aluminium vessels were, and still are, suitable for early cryogenic storage needs, offering lightweight and portable options.
Stainless Steel Vessels: As the need for larger repositories and more durable storage has grown, high capacity stainless steel vessels have become the modality of choice.
These vessels are ideal where there is a storage requirement for better durability and offer sample in vapour-phase conditions, with the benefit of reducing the risk of cross-contamination and ensuring sample stability.
- Advanced Control Systems:
System management: as repositories expand, new and improved advanced control systems are required to manage operations and maintain compliance. These control systems can be retrofitted to existing freezers or incorporated into new units, making them adaptable to both current and future needs, we will look at some of these options later in this article.
Regulatory Compliance: With increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies, these systems have been designed to meet stringent regulatory standards, ensuring that sample storage conditions are consistently monitored and recorded for audit purposes.
- Remote Access and Monitoring:
Real-Time Connectivity: One of the most critical advanced benefits of these control systems is the ability to access and monitor freezers remotely. This provides laboratory personnel peace of mind, as they can be notified of issues—such as temperature deviations—immediately, regardless of the time of day.
Service Provider Integration: In addition to internal monitoring, remote connectivity allows service providers to assess and diagnose freezer conditions in real time, offering flexibility to respond when necessary or delay response to the next working day, without risking sample safety.
- Enhanced Security and Audit Trails:
Controlled Access: As the number of stored samples grows, controlling who has access to these valuable materials becomes crucial. The new controllers feature user authentication and detailed audit trails, ensuring only authorised personnel can make changes to freezer settings or access samples.
Audit Trails: Every access or parameter adjustment is automatically recorded in an audit trail, ensuring transparency and traceability for compliance and internal reviews. This is critical for ensuring that any changes or potential incidents are fully documented and can be reviewed during audits.
An overview of the IC Biomedical options available from Biopharma Group are detailed here, outlining the benefits for all freezers.
- LABS Series with Mowden or CS200 Controller:
- Level Control: Relies on thermistor level control, reporting liquid levels to 1 decimal place.
- Temperature Measurement: Uses thermocouples for temperature readings
- System Integration: One-fill all-fill system with electrical wiring via dedicated boxes
- Controller Access: The lockable lid with a hinged design provides security and ease of access.
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LABS Series with Precision Controller:
- 7” touchscreen PLC control system.
- Level Control: Utilizes a DP (differential pressure) level control for precise level reading which is easily calibrated.
- Temperature Measurement: Uses PRT for more stable and easily calibrated temperature readings
- Access Control: Features LED display access control for authorised use and traceability. Event records can be downloaded via USB
- OFAF Capabilities: Scheduled One-Fill-All-Fill (OFAF) functionality, along with cloud or network integration
- Other Features: Options for internal LED lighting, in-line solenoid valves, hot gas bypass and DP sensors. Battery backup is also available.
- Evolution with Precision Controller:
- All LABS-Precision Features: Includes all features of the LABS with Precision Controller.
- Additional Features: Personnel management with feature login control, automatic lid-locking, setup wizard and standard interior lighting.
- Revolution with Precision Controller:
- “Top Temperature Assist” and “Radiance Temperature Management” allows precise control over temperature fluctuations.
- Semi-Automation Ready: Can integrate with a motorised platform for safe sample storage selection
- Inventory Management: Includes full inventory control and user ID login to prevent unauthorised access.
- Rack learning functionality allows the user to automatically locate a specific rack within the system. A simple push of a button moves the sample carousel to the selected rack location.
- Audit Trail: Provides a complete audit trail with access management down to the sample level.
- Sample level audit requires integration of an external inventory management application via the provided controller API.
- Built-in Networking: Includes cloud and native networking within the controller.
The evolution of cryogenic storage freezers, particularly with the advances led by IC Biomedical, has enabled laboratories and repositories to scale up their operations while ensuring compliance, safety and operational efficiency. With the introduction of retrofit-friendly, advanced controllers, remote monitoring and enhanced security features, laboratories can now manage and safeguard their samples more effectively than ever before.
To discover more, get in touch with a specialist today.