VITRICELL: new efficient method for cryopreserving cells by vitrification

Using stem and related cells for clinical purposes requires efficient and bio-safe handling. Cryopreservation is a mandatory key step of storage and transportation, during which cells undergo extreme physical and chemical conditions prone to alter their viability as well as their biological properties. Conventional slow-freezing often results in poor survival rates mainly due to excessive cell dehydration and water crystallization. We have addressed this problem by developing a new cryopreservation method based on aseptic and automatable vitrification in sealed french straws. Furthermore, only bio-safe and chemically defined cryopreservation media are used.
We have demonstrated that, despite additional constraints, our aseptic vitrification process is more efficient (recovery rates, morphology, pluripotency…) than conventional slow freezing for cryopreserving human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). These results have been confirmed on various sensitive stem cell-like lines and embryos from human and non-human species.
VITRICELL will soon provide researchers and clinicians with its vitrification kits, allowing to upgrade the current yields and safety after cryopreservation of their high-value cells.