Abstract: A two stage method of thawing cells from a cryopreserved state includes first warming the cells from a cryopreservation temperature to a transition temperature of at least −30° C. in a first, slow-warming stage by exposing the cells to an atmosphere having a temperature of less than 30° C., and once the cells have obtained the transition temperature, subsequently further warming the cells from the transition temperature by exposing the cells to a temperature of at least 32° C. in a second, rapid-warming stage. After the cells obtain the transition temperature in the first stage, the cells may be equilibrated at the transition temperature for a period of time prior to conducting the second stage warming. The method is particularly useful in warming cryopreserved cells attached to a fixed substrate. A thermal conduction device in association with the cryopreserved cells may also be used to further assist in the warming procedure.

Abstract: A method of cryopreserving cells includes bringing the cells into contact with a cryopreservation composition containing at least one cyclohexanediol compound, and subsequently reducing the temperature of the cells to a cryopreservation temperature. The at least one cyclohexanediol compound is preferably the cis or trans forms of 1,3-cyclohexanediol or 1,4-cyclohexanediol, and racemic mixtures thereof. A preferred cryopreservation composition includes the at least one cyclohexanediol compound and at least one additional cryoprotectant compound.

Abstract: A serum-free method of cryopreserving cells or tissues that includes bringing the cells or tissues into contact with a cryopreservation composition containing propanediol and a vehicle solution such as EuroCollins solution, and subsequently reducing the temperature of the cells to a cryopreservation temperature, for example of at least −80° C.

Abstract: A two stage method of thawing cells from a cryopreserved state includes first warming the cells from a cryopreservation temperature to a transition temperature of at least −30° C. in a first, slow-warming stage by exposing the cells to an atmosphere having a temperature of less than 30° C., and once the cells have obtained the transition temperature, subsequently further warming the cells from the transition temperature by exposing the cells to a temperature of at least 32° C. in a second, rapid-warming stage. After the cells obtain the transition temperature in the first stage, the cells may be equilibrated at the transition temperature for a period of time prior to conducting the second stage warming. The method is particularly useful in warming cryopreserved cells attached to a fixed substrate. A thermal conduction device in association with the cryopreserved cells may also be used to further assist in the warming procedure.