The Growing Demand for Cryogenic Storage

Supporting Research, Healthcare, and Advanced Technologies

The global life sciences sector is experiencing a profound technological evolution. Driven by monumental breakthroughs in advanced therapeutics, personalised medicine, and global clinical trials, the reliance on ultra-low temperature (ULT) preservation has reached unprecedented levels.

Cryogenic storage

Typically defined as preservation at temperatures below -130°C down to -196°C, cryogenic storage is no longer a niche requirement reserved solely for specialised physics labs. Today, it forms the backbone of modern biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, reproductive medicine, and advanced clinical care.

As the volume and clinical value of irreplaceable biological materials soar, establishing efficient, reliable, and safe biological sample storage workflows has become a critical operational priority.

The Catalyst (Cell and Gene Therapies)

The primary catalyst behind the surging demand for laboratory cryogenics is the rapid commercialisation of cellular and genetic therapies. Landmark innovations such as CAR-T cell therapies (which genetically engineer a patient's own T-cells to fight cancer) and mRNA-based therapeutics require strict, uncompromised cold chain management.

Unlike traditional chemical pharmaceuticals, these living, cellular products are highly sensitive to thermal fluctuations. To preserve their viability, structural integrity, and therapeutic efficacy, they must be cooled at a precise, controlled rate and maintained continuously at deep cryogenic temperatures from the point of manufacture to the moment of patient administration. Even a brief, minor rise in temperature can lead to cellular degradation, rendering a potentially life-saving treatment entirely ineffective.

Unprecedented Demand for Long-term Sample Preservation

Beyond active therapeutics, the broader scientific community is seeing an escalating need for highly secure, long-term sample preservation:

Biobanking:

Large-scale population health studies and genomic research rely on biobanks containing millions of tissue, blood, and DNA samples. These cohorts must be preserved perfectly for decades to ensure retrospective studies remain scientifically valid.

Reproductive Medicine:

The rising global utilisation of IVF and proactive fertility preservation has placed immense pressure on fertility clinics to expand their storage infrastructure for oocytes, sperm, and embryos.

Agricultural Biotechnology:

Preserving the genetic diversity of livestock and crops via cryogenically-frozen genetic strains is crucial for securing long-term food supply resilience against climate and disease threats.

Selecting the Correct Dewar Vessel for Your Workflow

At the heart of any reliable cryogenic infrastructure is the containment vessel. Selecting the appropriate cryogenic equipment laboratories around the world can rely on requires balancing thermal efficiency, structural durability, and specific application needs.

Which Dewar Flask Should I Choose?

MATERIAL:

Borosilicate glass interiors offer premium thermal insulation and chemical inertness

Stainless steel or robust plastic outers add vital impact protection

APPLICATION:

Shallow-form dewars are ideal for rapid benchtop freezing

Wide-mouth flasks can accommodate larger samples and flasks

Narrow-neck dewars minimize LN2 boil-off

PORTABILITY:

Look for secure carrying handles, anti-roll bases, and well-fitted lids designed for stable transit

For everyday laboratory operations, high-performance Dewar flasks, such as the classic, universally recognised DILVAC® range, are invaluable. Choosing premium, high-vacuum borosilicate glass interiors encased in robust protective outers (such as blue, powder-coated, enamelled steel, or stainless steel), these vessels ensure maximum thermal insulation. They effectively shield thermally volatile liquid nitrogen from ambient laboratory temperatures, significantly reducing boil-off rates and ensuring samples remain safely held at their target temperatures.

Fundamental Cryogenic Safety Considerations

Working safely with liquid nitrogen storage requires specialized equipment and comprehensive staff training. Liquid nitrogen expands at a ratio of approximately 1:694 as it transitions from liquid to gas at room temperature. Without correct protocols, this rapid expansion poses two severe and invisible hazards:

Asphyxiation:

In enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, escaping nitrogen gas rapidly displaces oxygen. Because it is odourless and colourless, oxygen depletion can occur without warning. Modern cryogenic suites must be fitted with continuous ambient oxygen depletion monitors set to trigger audible alarms before safe thresholds are breached.

Pressure Build-Up:

Cryogenic liquids must never be stored in tightly sealed, non-vented containers. If liquid nitrogen gets trapped inside a sealed tube or vessel, the pressure generated during warming can cause a catastrophic explosion.

Furthermore, personnel must be equipped with specialised cryogenic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including heavy-duty insulated gloves, full-face visors, aprons and gaiters and closed-toe footwear in order to prevent severe frostbite and cryogenic burns during handling.

Ensuring Long-Term Sample Protection and Future Horizons

As laboratories look ahead, the emphasis is firmly on risk mitigation and data integration. The financial and emotional value of stored samples means that leaving cryogenic systems unmonitored is no longer acceptable.

Modern biobanks and clinical facilities are heavily adopting automated, smart tracking technologies. High-density storage racks are now paired with wireless, ULT sensors that provide continuous, real-time data streaming. If a vacuum starts to degrade or liquid nitrogen level drops below a set threshold, automated telemetry systems can immediately alert facility managers, allowing intervention long before sample viability is threatened.

What's more, engineering advancements are focusing heavily on eco-design improving the vacuum insulation panel (VIP) technology within storage units to slash long-term liquid nitrogen consumption and run-costs.

By investing in high-quality, scientifically proven containment vessels and reinforcing everyday protocols with strict cryogenic safety standards, UK and global research and healthcare facilities can confidently support the next generation of medical and technological breakthroughs.