By Sarah Marsh
The transport of biological samples from patient to laboratory presents critical challenges, as the preservation of sample integrity throughout this journey is essential for accurate diagnoses and effective personalised treatments. Traditional cryopreservation methods are widely adopted to permit transportation requirements, however, these freezing methods introduce significant logistical complexities and risk compromising sample quality.
Atelerix's innovative hypothermic preservation technology offers a paradigm-shifting solution, which minimises the complexities and disadvantages of cryogenic shipping, thereby streamlining the precision medicine workflow while significantly enhancing sample integrity. The key pain points addressed by Atelerix’s technology are discussed in further detail below.
The Precision Medicine Challenge
Precision medicine relies on the analysis of individual patient samples to tailor treatments and therapies. However, the current logistics of sample transportation often introduce variables that can impact sample quality and, consequently, analytical results. The key challenges include:
- Sample Degradation: Biological samples are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and time delays, leading to potential degradation during transport.
- Logistical Complexity: Cryogenic shipping requires specialised equipment and handling, increasing costs and the risk of errors.
- Time Constraints: The window for sample viability is often narrow, putting pressure on transportation and analysis timelines.
- Variability in Results: Inconsistent preservation methods can lead to variability in analytical outcomes, compromising the precision in precision medicine.
The Atelerix Solution: Hypothermic Preservation
Atelerix's patented hydrogel encapsulation technology addresses these challenges head-on, offering a robust solution for simplified, effective logistics. Our method allows for the preservation and transport of biological samples at ambient temperatures (4°C to 25°C), revolutionising the sample journey from patient to lab.
1. Maintaining Sample Integrity
Traditional Cryogenic Shipping:
- Cryopreserved samples: Risk of ice crystal formation and cellular damage.
- Potential alterations in sample composition due to freeze-thaw cycles.
Atelerix Shipping:
- Samples preserved in hydrogel: Maintained integrity for up to 7 days at room temperature.
- Minimal alterations in cellular viability, phenotype, and function.
Impact: Enhanced sample quality leads to more reliable analytical results, accurate diagnosis, and personalised treatment options.
2. Simplifying Logistics
Traditional Cryogenic Shipping:
- Requires specialised cryogenic shipping containers and dry ice replenishment.
- Limited shipping options due to hazardous material restrictions.
Atelerix Shipping:
- Uses standard insulated packaging
- Compatible with regular courier services
Impact: Simplified logistics reduce the risk of shipping delays and errors, ensuring timely sample delivery and analysis.
3. Extending the Analytical Window
Traditional Cryogenic Shipping:
- Samples must be processed within hours of thawing, requiring strict scheduling
Atelerix Shipping:
- Samples remain viable for days at room temperature, offering flexible scheduling
Impact: Research institutes can optimise their workflows, reducing the pressure on immediate sample processing and allowing for more thorough analysis.
Applying the benefits of hypothermic shipment using Atelerix’s technology highlights the significant impact of this revolutionary approach. For example, in the case of tumour biopsy collection and analysis for a personalised cancer treatment:
Traditional Cryopreservation Workflow:
- Tumour biopsy collected at hospital
- Sample cryopreserved for transport
- Expedited shipping to specialised laboratory
- Rapid thawing and immediate analysis required
- Results potentially affected by freeze-thaw damage
Challenges:
- Risk of sample degradation during transport
- Pressure on lab to process samples immediately upon receipt
- Potential for inconsistent results due to variable preservation conditions
Atelerix Hypothermic Workflow:
- Tumour biopsy collected and immediately encapsulated in Atelerix hydrogel
- Sample shipped at ambient temperature to laboratory
- Flexible scheduling for sample de-encapsulation and analysis
- Consistent sample quality maintained throughout the process
Benefits:
- Preserved sample integrity from collection to analysis
- Reduced logistical complexity and shipping costs
- Increased flexibility in laboratory scheduling
- Improved consistency in analytical results
Real-world Impact: A recent study demonstrated that tumour samples preserved using hydrogel encapsulation maintained >95% viability after 72 hours at room temperature, with no significant alterations in gene expression profiles crucial for precision oncology analyses.
Regulatory Considerations
The adoption of hypothermic preservation methods in precision medicine is supported by regulatory bodies recognising the need for innovative sample handling techniques. The FDA has issued guidance on the use of novel preservation technologies in clinical settings, paving the way for broader adoption in precision medicine workflows.
The Future of Precision Medicine Logistics
As precision medicine continues to advance, the demand for reliable, cost-effective, and sample-friendly preservation methods will only increase. Atelerix's hypothermic preservation technology is well-positioned to meet these needs, offering a versatile solution for a wide range of biological samples crucial to personalised healthcare. For researchers grappling with the challenges of sample integrity in precision medicine, hypothermic preservation offers a compelling alternative to traditional methods. By simplifying logistics and extending sample integrity, this innovative approach has the potential to significantly enhance the accuracy and reliability of precision medicine analyses.
Atelerix – What’s the worst that could happen?
Ready to revolutionise your precision medicine logistics?
- Request our sample kit to suit your sample type.
- Book a consultation with our team of experts.
- Dive deeper into our technology.
References:
1. Internal Atelerix data (2023)
2. FDA. (2022). Guidance for Industry: Considerations for the Development of Precision Medicine Technologies.
