Long-Term Storage of Cells: Best Practices and Expert Recommendations

Cells play a crucial role in numerous scientific and medical applications, from research to personalized medicine. Proper storage is essential to maintain their efficacy and integrity. This article discusses best practices for storing cells and highlights the recommended storage methods according to cell type and temperature conditions.

Proper Storage of Cells

Cells should be transferred to the 70°C freezer as soon as they are resuspended in freezing medium. This ensures rapid cooling, which is crucial for cell viability. Cells stored at 70°C are stable for a few weeks, but their viability decreases gradually over several months. After six months, many cell lines cannot be recovered.

Another option for cell storage is cryopreservation, where cells are frozen and stored at extremely low temperatures. Cryopreservation allows cells to be stored for extended periods, making it a valuable technique for long-term storage.

Long-Term Storage of Cells for Life

Cells for Life offers an innovative solution for cell storage, recommending storing them indefinitely. The company emphasizes that cord blood can be used not only for children but also for adults. The longest sample in storage currently is 23 years, but the scientific director, Dr. Elisabeth Semple, believes that cells can be stored indefinitely under appropriate conditions.

Expert Recommendations

According to Dr. Semple, the key to successful long-term cell storage lies in several factors:

Proper Freezing Process: Cells must be quickly frozen to prevent ice crystal formation, which can damage cellular structures. Optimal Temperature: Maintaining cells at stable, low temperatures, such as -196°C in liquid nitrogen, is vital to prevent cellular metabolism and maintain viability. Robust Storage Containers: High-quality cryopreservation tubes or vials that can withstand repeated freeze-thaw cycles are essential.

Conclusion

While cell viability decreases over time when stored at warmer temperatures, long-term storage can be achieved through cryopreservation methods. With proper handling and storage conditions, cells can be preserved for decades, providing a valuable resource for future medical applications.

Key Takeaways

Cold storage at 70°C is unstable and not recommended beyond a few months. Cryopreservation offers indefinite storage options for cells and tissues. Expert recommendations highlight the importance of rapid freezing, stable storage temperatures, and robust storage containers.