Breakthrough in Cryopreservation Technology

Temperature uniformity, reliability, and validation are key to what life scientists are searching for in an ultra low temperature (ULT) freezer. The Cryometrix T-150 provides a quantum leap forward in cryopreservation technology. Additional management issues such as a considerable reduction in net operating costs, better use of available laboratory floor space, significant reduction in electrical power use, and the elimination of CFCs have become the governing principles of laboratory managers.

The Cryometrix T-150 programmable ULT freezer delivers on all points. The T-150 freezer is a technological breakthrough that incorporates a compressor-free, redundant, liquid nitrogen-based technology. The T-150 is a stable, scalable, adaptable, and validatable platform. The payload capacity is 21.25 ft3 (600 L = 30,000 2-mL vials), and with its all-stainless steel upright design, the T-150 addresses several user issues such as security, ease of operation, and cleaning.

Performance

Cryopreservation starts with thermal stability, and reliability is a close second. The T-150 accomplishes both through the use of CoLD® technologies, which yield temperature uniformity of ± 3°C (see chart). Temperature recovery from an open/close event is less than 10 minutes with a ?T of 5°C.

Thermal stability during a ramp to setpoint is key for sensitive sample survival. Degradation of vials due to rapid thermal shock is prevented using the programmable control of the T-150. A precise ramp rate of up to 3.5°C/minute can be programmed by the user. The T-150 has a MTBF (mean time between failures) of three years, with the only preventative maintenance being the calibration of temperature and pressure sensors, all of which can be completed while the freezer is in operation.

Management

ULT operation has unique management issues. These include validation, user safety, regulatory compliance use of floor space, return on investment, and electrical expenditures. The T-150 has a completed DQ/IQ and is OQ/PQ ready. User safety is the foremost design criteria of the T-150 freezer. The upright design, automated/secured payload access, and multiple inner doors aid in safe, secure, and easy operation.

The T-150 removes all raw liquid nitrogen and boil-off vapor through the use of CoLD® technologies, a process which eliminates LN2 contact for user and product, and removes the need to scrape ice from walls and doors. The T-150 incorporates an in-situ, one-inch validation port that allows for real-time validation without compromise to specifications or performance.

The T-150 has 100% payload bay use rate for maximized lab space density. The Cryometrix technology requires a mere six inches of clearance between individual units and can be placed backside flush to walls and other freezers.

The ROI timeframe for the T-150, with compared with other upright formats, is between six to twelve months as a function of temperature, reduced maintenance costs, electrical power expenditures, and lab space requirements.

The Environment

With up to 90% less electrical consumption, the T-150 reduces annual electrical use by over 34,000 kilowatts per freezer, per year at a setpoint of -86°C through efficient electrical design, the elimination of refrigeration compressors, and the required HVAC component.

These engineered efficiencies led the Cryometrix technology to be Lean-compliant and ready for introduction into new facilities with Lean and Green aspirations. Combined with the elimination of CFCs, the T-150 is a breakthrough for the environmentally-minded cryopreservation facility.

Boyd W. Bowdish, PhD, is director of Cryometrix products at Cryometrix Inc.; 1-408-392-0250 ext. 233

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