Paper-Based Cryopreservation for Space-Efficient Cell Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cryopreservation methods for cells in large containers face challenges such as space inefficiency, high maintenance costs, and risks of contamination and cellular damage due to repeated freezing and thawing cycles.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a fibrous substrate, such as paper, to absorb and support mammalian cells with cryoprotectants, allowing for efficient storage and retrieval of cells in desired quantities while minimizing contamination and damage, by penetrating and adhering to the substrate's 3D porous structure and being cooled to low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If cells are stored in small vials, then space efficiency is improved, but labor intensity and risk of mixing/misplacing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the cell storage system into modular paper-based units that can be individually handled and stored. Each paper unit contains a specific number of cells in a controlled volume, allowing efficient space utilization while maintaining easy identification and retrieval without mixing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The paper substrate acts as an intermediary carrier between the cell suspension and the final storage container. The paper absorbs and holds the cell-cryoprotectant suspension, providing a stable, space-efficient format that is easier to handle and store than traditional vials while preventing mixing and misplacement through its structural integrity.
2Volume of moving object
If cells are frozen in large containers, then space efficiency is improved, but contamination risk and cell damage increase due to repeated freezing and thawing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the cell storage into smaller, independent paper-based units rather than using large containers. This segmentation allows retrieval of only the needed portion without thawing the entire stock, thereby reducing contamination risk and minimizing cell damage from repeated freezing-thawing cycles while maintaining space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cells are pre-loaded onto paper substrates with cryoprotectant before freezing. This preliminary preparation allows the cells to be stored in a stable, space-efficient format and enables selective retrieval where only the required number of paper units are thawed, preventing the need to repeatedly freeze and thaw large container contents.
3Reliability
If traditional cryopreservation methods are used, then cell preservation is achieved, but space efficiency and retrieval ease are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses disposable paper substrates as single-use carriers for cell cryopreservation. Each paper unit is prepared with cells and cryoprotectant, frozen, and can be individually retrieved and used. The paper is discarded after one use, eliminating the need for complex sterilization and reuse processes while maintaining cell preservation reliability and improving space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The paper substrate utilizes its porous structure to absorb and hold the cell-cryoprotectant suspension. The porosity allows uniform distribution of cells throughout the paper matrix, ensuring reliable cryopreservation while enabling compact storage format that is more space-efficient than traditional liquid-filled vials.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides a space-efficient, cost-effective, and contamination-reduced method for cryopreserving cells, maintaining high viability and allowing for easy sampling without thawing the entire stock, with the paper substrate offering structural support during freezing and facilitating 3D cell culture post-thawing.
Implementation Method 1
applying the suspension to a fibrous substrate (e.g., paper) comprising a network of interconnected cellulosic fibers defining a plurality of pores therein by allowing the suspension to absorb into the fibrous substrate such that the isolated mammalian cells penetrate
Implementation Method 2
the fibrous substrate may comprise a network of interconnected cellulosic fibers defining a plurality of pores therein... the paper substrate offering structural support during freezing
Implementation Method 3
cooling the fibrous substrate to or below a temperature of −80° C.... the container may be filled at least in part with liquid nitrogen
Implementation Method 4
Cryoprotectants, such as glycerol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), are essential to achieve successful non-lethal cryopreservation by reducing the amount of ice crystals formed during freezing process (vitrification)
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for cryopreservation of cells or spheroids of cells including obtaining a suspension of the isolated mammalian cells in a medium; applying the suspension to a fibrous substrate comprising a network of interconnected cellulosic fibers defining a plurality of pores therein and allowing the suspension to absorb into the fibrous substrate such that the isolated mammalian cells penetrate and settle to an interior of the fibrous substrate; and cooling the fibrous substrate to or below a temperature of −80° C.