Biobanks are systems for the systematic collection and preservation of biological samples for research and clinical purposes and play a key role in advancing biomedical science and personalized medicine. Central to a successful biobanking program is the selection of appropriate vials to ensure the integrity and viability of samples for long-term preservation. With many types of vials available, each with unique characteristics and considerations, choosing the ideal vial for long-term biobanking can be a complex decision. In this comprehensive guide, we take an in-depth look at the factors that influence vial selection for biobanking, explore the characteristics of different vial types, and provide practical insights for optimizing sample preservation and storage.
Before exploring vial types, let’s gain a basic understanding of why vial selection is critical for long-term biobanking:
Sample integrity: The integrity of biological samples is crucial in biobanking because it directly affects the reliability and validity of research results and clinical diagnosis. Proper selection of vials helps maintain sample integrity by minimizing contamination, degradation, and loss over time.
Viability preservation: Many biological samples, such as cells, tissues, and nucleic acids, are sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature, pH, and humidity. Selecting vials that provide optimal storage conditions is critical to maintaining sample viability and functionality during long-term storage.
Now, let’s explore the key considerations that influence vial selection for long-term biobanking:
Material Compatibility: Select vial materials that are chemically inert, non-reactive, and compatible with sample type and storage conditions. Common materials include glass, plastics (e.g., polypropylene, polystyrene), and specialty polymers designed for cryogenic storage.
Temperature stability: Consider the temperature requirements for long-term sample storage and select vials that can withstand the desired storage temperature range without compromising sample integrity. Options range from ambient temperature storage to ultra-low temperature (-80°C or below).
Seal Integrity: Ensure vials provide a reliable sealing mechanism, such as screw caps, crimp caps, or snap caps, to prevent sample leakage, evaporation, or contamination. Properly sealed vials maintain a sealing barrier that protects the sample from external factors.
Sample volume and format: Select vials with appropriate capacity and format to meet the sample volume and storage needs of your biobank collection. Consider factors such as sample size, aliquoting requirements, and compatibility with automated processing systems.
Labeling and Tracking: Implement a robust labeling and tracking system to ensure accurate sample identification, traceability and retrieval. Choose vials with the right label surface or use barcode labels for efficient sample management.
Now, let’s explore the vial types that are commonly used and well-suited for long-term biobanking applications:
Low temperature storage bottle:
Cryogenic storage bottles are made of specialized polymers or glass and are designed for ultra-low temperature storage (-80°C or below). These vials offer excellent temperature stability, chemical resistance and durability for long-term sample storage.
Screw cap microtubes:
Screw-cap microtubes are available in a variety of sizes and materials, providing a secure seal and easy sample access. They are suitable for biobanking applications requiring low- to medium-temperature storage (-20°C to -80°C).
Glass ampoules:
Glass ampoules provide an airtight seal and are protected from light, moisture and contamination. They are ideal for long-term storage of sensitive biological samples such as cell suspensions, nucleic acids and protein solutions.
Freezer bottles with barcode:
Barcoded cryovials feature barcode labels for efficient sample tracking and identification. These vials are compatible with automated processing systems and simplify the management of large biobanks.
To ensure the success of long-term biobanking programs, laboratories should follow best practices for sample preservation:
Optimize storage conditions:
Maintain stable storage conditions, including temperature, humidity, and light, to minimize sample degradation and maintain viability over time.
Monitor and maintain equipment:
Regularly monitor and calibrate storage equipment such as freezers, refrigerators and cryogenic tanks to ensure consistent and reliable performance.
Implement quality control checks:
Incorporate quality control measures such as regular sample inspections, integrity assessments, and microbiological testing to detect and mitigate potential issues affecting samples quality.
Disaster Preparedness:
Develop contingency plans and disaster recovery protocols to safeguard samples against unexpected events, such as power outages, equipment failures, or natural disasters.
Selecting the ideal vial for long-term biobanking is essential for preserving sample integrity, viability, and functionality over time. By considering factors such as material compatibility, temperature stability, sealing integrity, and sample format, laboratories can choose vials that meet the specific requirements of their biobanking collections. Through adherence to best practices for sample preservation, storage optimization, and quality control, laboratories can ensure the long-term success and sustainability of their biobanking initiatives, contributing to advancements in biomedical research, clinical diagnostics, and personalized medicine.