Cryopreservation

Storing living cells at very low temperatures, typically in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen with a cryoprotectant such as DMSO, so they can be thawed and used later. It applies to cell banks and to many cell therapy products. Freezing rate, cryoprotectant concentration, storage temperature and the thawing method all affect viability and function after thawing. Because cell products cannot be sterile-filtered, freezing is done aseptically, and storage and shipping conditions are validated as part of the cold chain.