Apparatuses and compositions for cryopreservation of cellular monolayers

Inventors

Clarke, Dominic M. • Nicoud, Ian B. • Mathew, Aby J. • Rice, Michael

Assignees

Biolife Solutions Inc

Abstract

Provided are apparatuses for cryopreserving cells which include a vessel comprising a biocompatible substrate, wherein the vessel further comprises an interior and an exterior, and a mechanical ice nucleating device disposed in or on the vessel interior for initiating ice crystal formation. Also provided are kits comprising one or more apparatuses for cryopreserving cells and a biopreservation medium. Further provided are compositions comprising a vessel for holding cells, a mechanical ice nucleating device, a biopreservation medium, and cells disposed in the vessel. The apparatuses, kits, and compositions of the invention can optionally include an insulating material which is disposed on all or a portion of the vessel.

Core Innovation

An apparatus cryopreserves cell monolayers for high-throughput screening. It comprises a multiwell tissue culture vessel comprising a biocompatible substrate and mechanical ice-nucleating devices, each formed by a three-dimensional protrusion attached to a separable cover or insert. At least one device is disposed in the interior of each of a plurality of wells, such that the protrusion occupies the interior space of a well when placed on the vessel; the apparatus may also include insulation and biopreservation medium.

The problem being solved as stated in a background section is not explicitly described in patent. The disclosure reports cooling and post-thaw cell-recovery screening results across freezing methods, array designs, and cell types, comparing insulated and uninsulated configurations. The reports indicate that nucleating devices and insulation reduce well-to-well variability and improve post-thaw cell recovery and viability in tested cell monolayers.

Claims Coverage

The provided claims identify one independent claim. Its coverage is summarized in three inventive features: the multiwell tissue culture vessel, the mechanical ice-nucleating devices, and the protrusion arrangement on a separable cover or insert.

The independent claim covers the combination of a multiwell tissue culture vessel and mechanical ice-nucleating devices formed by protrusions on a separable cover or insert for cryopreserving cell monolayers for high-throughput screening. Refinements describe insulation, biopreservation medium, and additional nucleation features.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications