Methods for the cryopreservation of cells
US9538745B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 12, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jan 10, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01N1/16
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention features novel methods for the cryopreservation of mammalian cell that combine the advantages of the slow-freezing and vitrification approaches while avoiding their shortcomings. Generally, the methods include the use of a capillary tube made of a thermally conductive wall material and a thin wall such that the ratio of the thermal conductivity of the wall material to the wall thickness is at least 1,000-500,000. The solution is then exposed to temperatures equal to or less than −80° C. and the vitrification solution containing the mammalian cells is cooled at a rate equal to or greater than 30,000-100,000,000° C./minute. The exposure of the capillary tube with a thermally conductive and thin wall allows for vitrification of the solution in the absence of ice formation. Cryoprotectants can also be added to the vitrification solution to further prevent ice formation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.