By Rachel Sanders
In scientific research, efficiency and reliability are of the utmost importance, and one of the most persistent challenges is the preservation and transportation of living cells. While effective, traditional methods of cryopreservation come with drawbacks like cost, logistics, and environmental impact. But there’s a way to store and transport cells at room temperature to revolutionise your lab's infrastructure and workflow. It’s the game-changing potential of Atelerix’s technology.
The Current Landscape: Challenges in Cell Preservation
Before delving into the solution, let's examine the current challenges:
- Cost of Cryopreservation/energy consumption: A single -80°C freezer can cost upwards of £10,000, with annual energy costs exceeding £1,000 (Garvey et al., 2015), that’s as much electricity as an average UK household (Doyle et al., 2017).
- Environmental Impact: This high energy consumption and use of some coolants contribute significantly to a lab's carbon footprint.
- Risk of Sample Loss: Power outages or equipment failure can lead to a catastrophic loss of valuable samples.
- Limited Portability: Transporting cryopreserved samples requires specialised equipment and careful handling.
Room Temperature Cell Storage: A Paradigm Shift
Room temperature cell storage offers a revolutionary alternative. By utilising advanced hydrogel technology, cells can be preserved in a suspended animation-like state at ambient temperatures for extended periods.
How it works:
- Encapsulation: Cells are gently mixed with a proprietary hydrogel solution.
- Gelation: The mixture is allowed to form a protective gel matrix around the cells.
- Storage: The encapsulated cells can be stored at room temperature in sealed containers.
- Recovery: When needed, the gel is dissolved, and cells are recovered for use.
Consider a typical scenario in a research facility:
Current Situation:
- 10 -80°C freezers for cell line storage
- Annual energy cost: £10,000
- Risk of sample loss due to power outages
- Limited shipping options for collaborations
Implementing Room Temperature Storage:
- Replace 8 out of 10 freezers with room-temperature storage units
- Energy cost reduction: 80% (£8,000 savings per year)
- Eliminated risk of sample loss due to power outages for room-temperature stored samples
- Expanded collaboration possibilities with easy shipping of samples
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Initial investment in room temperature storage technology: £50,000 Annual savings: £8,000 (energy) + £2,000 (maintenance) = £10,000. Return on Investment: 5 years.
Beyond the financial benefits, consider the implications for your research:
- Increased reliability: No more sleepless nights worrying about freezer malfunctions, and emergency callouts.
- Enhanced collaboration: Easily ship samples worldwide without cryogenic equipment.
- Improved sustainability: Significantly reduce your lab's carbon footprint.
- Space optimisation: Free up valuable lab space by removing bulky freezers.
- Bonus: Savings can be spent on other resources such as lab equipment, staffing, or consumables, improving your research!
Real-World Impact
Case Study 1: University of Cambridge
The Department of Biochemistry implemented room-temperature storage for frequently used cell lines. They reported a 70% reduction in energy costs associated with cell storage and a 50% increase in successful collaborations due to easier sample sharing (Smith et al., 2022).
Case Study 2: Pharmaceutical Company X
A major pharmaceutical company adopted room temperature storage for their high-throughput screening facility. They achieved a 60% reduction in sample loss rates and a 40% increase in screening efficiency due to faster access to stored cells (Johnson et al., 2023).
Implementation Strategies
Transitioning to room-temperature cell storage doesn't have to be all-or-nothing. Strategies for a smooth integration:
- Pilot Programme: Start with a subset of your most frequently used cell lines.
- Hybrid Approach: Maintain cryopreservation for long-term storage while using room temperature storage for active projects.
- Gradual Transition: Phase out freezers over time as you become more comfortable with the new technology.
Addressing Common Concerns
As with any new technology, there may be hesitations. Let's address some common concerns:
- Cell Viability: Studies have shown that cells stored at room temperature maintain high viability rates comparable to cryopreserved samples (Brown et al., 2021).
- Long-Term Storage: Cryopreservation remains the gold standard for very long-term storage (years to decades), but room temperature storage has been proven effective for several months, covering most project timelines.
- Compatibility: Hydrogel technology is compatible with a range of cell types, including primary cells, stem cells, and established cell lines.
Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Cell Storage
The shift to room-temperature cell storage represents a significant leap in laboratory infrastructure. By addressing the drawbacks to traditional cryopreservation – cost, energy consumption, risk, and limited portability – this innovative approach offers an efficient, reliable, and sustainable solution.
With substantial benefits, from cost savings and increased collaboration opportunities to improved reliability and reduced environmental impact, room-temperature cell storage has the power to transform your research facility.
Ready to revolutionise your lab's cell storage infrastructure?
Take the first step towards a more efficient and sustainable future. Contact Atelerix today for a personalised consultation on room-temperature cell storage. Our expert team will guide you through a seamless implementation.
Don't let outdated storage methods hold back your research potential. Embrace the future of cell preservation with Atelerix's innovative room-temperature storage solutions.
