Abstract: A method and a device for the cryo-conservation of a hydrous sample, in particular biological sample, wherein the sample is introduced into a cavity of a container, remaining free space of the cavity if any is filled with a hydrous liquid, the cavity is closed in a liquid-tight manner and the container is held in a holding device, and the container together with the sample is cooled to a temperature below 251 K, preferably 173 K, for example by means of liquid nitrogen, propane or ethane, wherein the container and the holding device prevent an expansion of the cavity in volume. The selected cooling rate is sufficiently high so that a crystal formation of the freezing water is suppressed in favor of glass formation.

Abstract: An aggregate for qualitatively or quantitatively determining bindable substances. Said aggregate comprises an ultra small colloidal particle and a specific binding agent characterized in that the mean diameter of the colloidal particle is below 2 nm. Preferably the size of the metal particle is selected so that the aggregate is capable of penetrating in standard biological specimens. The invention further provides a universally applicable detection system for determining bindable substances in particular in living material. Further there is provided a process for preparing said aggregate.