Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for the cryopreservation of biological samples involving a density assisted vitrification wherein a sample of biological material in a cryopreservation agent is cooled from its top surface, causing an ice layer to form thereon. As cooling continues the ice layer grows downwards through the sample to provide a cryoprotectant and biological material rich layer below the ice layer that undergoes vitrification as cooling continues to below the glass transition temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shipping container for cryopreserved biological samples in which a cryopreserved sample can be maintained on arrival at its destination for a period of time, for example several months.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of cryopreservation and compositions for use in such methods where the methods utilise non-Newtonian fluid properties of the cryopreservation medium to modulate the viscosity of that medium to deliver an improved cryopreservation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shipping container for cryopreserved biological samples in which a cryopreserved sample can be maintained on arrival at its destination for a period of time, for example several months.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for preventing the formation of ice crystals in a biological sample containing a non-Newtonian fluid as a cryopreservation medium. The apparatus may be used to prevent ice formation during cryopreservation of biological samples, or during warming of cryopreserved biological samples, by changing the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid. The apparatus (200) comprises a housing (202) for a container (212) containing the biological sample (214) and the non-Newtonian fluid, and a device (204) for inducing a change in viscosity of the cryopreservation medium. The change in viscosity may be increased by inducing shear thickening of the cryopreservation medium, or the change in viscosity may be decreased by inducing shear thinning of the cryopreservation medium. Possible viscosity-changing devices comprise a tapping device, a piston, a rotating device, a compression device, a sound generating device, a permanent magnet or a electromagnetic field generating device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device (100, 200) for the disaggregation of tissue samples into individual cells or cell clumps in a closed flexible tissue sample bag (10); the device including two or more resilient feet (134/136, 234/236) which tread sequentially a tissue sample bag receiving area (148,248). Also disclosed is a heat transfer plate (150, 250) for transferring heat energy to or from the area (148,248), the plate having one plate surface (151,251) adjacent the area (148,248) and an opposing surface (152,252) exposed to external thermal influence which faces away from the area (148,248). Further disclosed is a tissue sample receiving bag (10) comprising one or more flexible plastics cavity (12) formed from two layers of the plastics sealed around their edges to form a generally rectilinear periphery with the cavity or cavities (12) within the periphery, and at one side of the periphery is formed one or more sealable access ports (16).

Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present technique provide apparatus for controlling ice formation, such as during the processes of cryopreservation and freeze drying. In particular, the apparatus provides a mechanism to deliver an ice nucleating material into a biological sample that is to be preserved, without allowing the ice nucleating agent to contact or contaminate the biological matter within the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for the cryopreservation of biological samples involving a density assisted vitrification wherein a sample of biological material in a cryopreservation agent is cooled from its top surface, causing an ice layer to form thereon. As cooling continues the ice layer grows downwards through the sample to provide a cryoprotectant and biological material rich layer below the ice layer that undergoes vitrification as cooling continues to below the glass transition temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of cryopreservation and compositions for use in such methods where the methods utilise non-Newtonian fluid properties of the cryopreservation medium to modulate the viscosity of that medium to deliver an improved cryopreservation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shipping container for cryopreserved biological samples in which a cryopreserved sample can be maintained on arrival at its destination for a period of time, for example several months.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for preventing the formation of ice crystals in a biological sample containing a non-Newtonian fluid as a cryopreservation medium. The apparatus may be used to prevent ice formation during cryopreservation of biological samples, or during warming of cryopreserved biological samples, by changing the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid. The apparatus (200) comprises a housing (202) for a container (212) containing the biological sample (214) and the non-Newtonian fluid, and a device (204) for inducing a change in viscosity of the cryopreservation medium. The change in viscosity may be increased by inducing shear thickening of the cryopreservation medium, or the change in viscosity may be decreased by inducing shear thinning of the cryopreservation medium. Possible viscosity-changing devices comprise a tapping device, a piston, a rotating device, a compression device, a sound generating device, a permanent magnet or a electromagnetic field generating device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a formulation for promoting non-spontaneous formation (nucleation) of ice during freeze processing of a water-containing quantity of a biological entity which comprises a framework silicate mineral capable of acting as an ice nucleant and an ammonium salt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for freezing a water-containing quantity of a biological entity or a formulation in a vessel using a mineral nucleator, to the use of the mineral as a nucleator and to a vessel with the mineral in or on the whole or part of a surface thereof.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present technique provide apparatus for controlling ice formation, such as during the processes of cryopreservation and freeze drying. In particular, the apparatus provides a mechanism to deliver an ice nucleating material into a biological sample that is to be preserved, without allowing the ice nucleating agent to contact or contaminate the biological matter within the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for freezing a water-containing quantity of a biological entity or a formulation in a vessel using a mineral nucleator, to the use of the mineral as a nucleator and to a vessel with the mineral in or on the whole or part of a surface thereof.

Abstract: A composition for reducing deposition of a mineral salt from an aqueous supersaturated solution onto a solid surface in contact with the aqueous supersaturated solution which composition comprises a dispersion of either (i) seed crystals of the mineral salt in an aqueous solution of the mineral salt or (ii) seed crystals of a salt isomorphous with the mineral salt in an aqueous solution of the isomorphous salt wherein the dispersed seed crystals are of Mean particle size of less than 2.5 microns.

Abstract: A composition for reducing deposition of a mineral salt from an aqueous supersaturated solution onto a solid surface in contact with the aqueous supersaturated solution which composition comprises a dispersion of either (i) seed crystals of the mineral salt in an aqueous solution of the mineral salt or (ii) seed crystals of a salt isomorphous with the mineral salt in an aqueous solution of the isomorphous salt wherein the dispersed seed crystals are of Mean particle size of less than 2.5 microns.

Abstract: A method of cryopreserving biological material, which method comprises providing a sample of the biological material, where a liquid phase of the sample includes at least one solute; lowering the temperature of the sample to a nucleating point at which ice nucleation can occur in the sample; effecting ice nucleation in the sample; and lowering the sample temperature from the nucleating point to the solidification point thereof, characterized in that the temperature lowering from the nucleating point to the solidification point is non linear, whereby the rate of change of solute concentration in the liquid phase decreases for more than 80% of the time taken to lower the temperature from the nucleating point to the solidification point.