Radiation-Shielded Cryogenic Storage for Long-Term Biological Preservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for long-term preservation of biological materials, such as stem cells and gametes, suffer from damage due to ionizing radiation, leading to DNA degradation and loss of genetic integrity, which is exacerbated by storage techniques like cryogeny.

Innovation Solution

A preservation container and method that utilizes low-radioactivity materials and deep underground storage to attenuate gamma rays and neutrons, using a combination of gamma-ray and neutron-absorbing materials, along with cryogenic conditions, to maintain genetic integrity for extended periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If biological materials are stored under cryogenic conditions to prevent chemical and metabolic degradation, then the duration of preservation is extended, but ionizing radiation damage accumulates over time causing DNA degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreservation durationVSAvoidradiation damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary shielding structure between the biological material and the external environment. This shield comprises multiple layers including lead or tungsten for gamma-ray attenuation, polyethylene or water for neutron moderation, and boron-containing materials for neutron absorption. This intermediary structure filters out ionizing radiation while allowing the cryogenic preservation conditions to maintain genetic integrity over extended periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding system employs composite materials with different functions combined together. The shield includes dense materials (lead, tungsten) for gamma-ray blocking, hydrogen-rich materials (polyethylene, water) for neutron slowing, and boron-containing materials for neutron capture. This composite approach addresses multiple radiation types simultaneously, enabling long-term preservation without radiation-induced DNA damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional storage containers are used, then the device complexity is low, but radiation attenuation is insufficient to protect genetic integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegenetic integrityVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding container is segmented into multiple functional layers, each addressing a specific radiation type. The structure includes an inner container for the biological material, surrounded by gamma-ray shielding layer, then neutron shielding layer, and outer structural layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall genetic integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested doll structure where the biological material container is placed inside the gamma-ray shield, which is in turn placed inside the neutron shield, and finally inside the outer structural container. This nested arrangement maximizes space efficiency while providing comprehensive radiation protection through multiple concentric shielding layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

The solution effectively reduces radiation-induced damage, preserving the genetic integrity of biological materials for up to 100 years by attenuating gamma rays and neutrons, ensuring the materials are suitable for therapeutic use.

Implementation Method 1

a first shield configured to attenuate a gamma-ray flux by a factor of at least 100, such as to 1000 or even 10 000, relative to an unshielded gamma-ray flux

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGamma-ray attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a second shield configured to attenuate a fast-neutron flux by a factor of at least 1000, such as to 10 000 or even 100 000, relative to an unshielded fast-neutron flux

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeutron attenuation: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

stem cells are stored under stasis - today achieved thanks to storage at 77 Kelvin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCryogenic freezing: Freezing

Data Source

PatentEP3697208B1High-fidelity long-term storage of biological material

Publication Date: 2026.04.22 CENT NAT DE LA RECH SCI (C N R S)

Figure 1a~1f
Figure 2a
Figure 2c~2f

AI summary

The disclosure relates to the long-term preservation of biological material such as DNA, RNA, a stem cell, a tissue or an organ. The preservation container comprises a biological container (a), a first shield (b) configured for absorbing gamma-rays, and a second shield (c) configured for absorbing ambient neutrons, said second shield surrounding the biological container, wherein the preservation container is of low-radioactivity background materials. Preferably, the preservation container is a cryostat and further comprises a cryogenic container (h) containing a cold source (f). To better preserve the biological material, a method for preserving a biological material is disclosed, comprising providing the biological material in a confinement container, placing the confinement container into said preservation container, and storing the preservation container in a room located under a material attenuating cosmic rays and induced particles, said material having a thickness equivalent to 1 m to 7000 m of water.