Biopreservation: The Impact of Freezing and Cold Storage on Sample Quality

A widely discussed topic in biological applications is the impact of the sample freezing process and the final holding and storage temperatures on the stability of biological samples. In order to preserve biological material in its optimal condition, a slow freezing process with storage temperatures held to the absolute practical minimum is essential. While these guidelines are generally recognized, the rationale behind this process is rarely elaborated. The goal of this whitepaper is to provide background on the scientific basis of these manipulations and its impact on the viability of the biological material. WHITE PAPER No. 031 I February 2016