Cryogenic freezing
Cryogenic freezing is a key technology in preservation and biotechnology, using extreme cold to stop biological and chemical activity. This method, which began developing in the early 20th century, is now vital in medicine for saving stem cells, embryos, and organs, paving the way for advancements in treatments and research. It's also important in biology for storing samples like microorganisms and plants, aiding research and conservation. In the food industry, it keeps food fresh and safe for longer. The technology relies on cryogenic freezers and liquid nitrogen for precise temperature control, playing a crucial role in various fields such as food preservation, cell culture, and biomedicine. Cryogenic freezing combines science and engineering, impacting many areas from healthcare to food storage.
Principle of operation
The principle of operation for cryogenic freezing revolves around the controlled application of extremely low temperatures to preserve biological material, ranging from single cells to whole tissues and food products. This process is meticulously staged to ensure the viability and integrity of the material post-thaw.
The initial cooling stage involves rapidly bringing the temperature of the material down to cryogenic levels, commonly using liquid nitrogen, to prevent the formation of ice crystals that can damage cellular structures. This rapid plunge into deep cold is crucial for the stabilization of biological material in a state that can be maintained over long durations.
Following cooling, the storage phase maintains the material at these cryogenic temperatures, ensuring its preservation without further degradation. Temperature control is paramount during this phase to prevent fluctuations that could initiate partial thawing, jeopardizing the material's integrity.
The final stage, thawing, is carefully controlled to avoid thermal shock and minimize damage to the preserved material.
What equipment is used
In the intricate process of cryogenic freezing, a variety of specialized equipment is employed to ensure precise temperature management and the safety of the biological material being preserved. Cryogenic chambers and vessels are at the heart of this operation, designed to maintain the ultra-low temperatures necessary for cryopreservation. These containers are often filled with liquid nitrogen, a staple in cryogenic technology due to its ability to rapidly cool materials to temperatures as low as -196°C, effectively halting biological activity and preserving the material in a state of suspended animation.
Cooling and temperature control systems are equally vital, equipped with advanced sensors and software to monitor and adjust temperatures with high precision. This ensures that the biological samples undergo a consistent and controlled cooling rate, critical for preventing ice crystal formation which can damage cellular structures.
For the cryopreservation of specific biological objects such as cells, tissues, and organs, more specialized equipment is used. This includes cryogenic freezers, which offer a range of cooling rates and storage conditions tailored to different types of biological materials. The choice of equipment depends on the particular requirements of the material being frozen, such as its size, vulnerability to ice damage, and intended use post-thaw.
Which Mirai products can be used in cryogenic freezing
Every Mirai Intex machine could be included in advanced cryogenic chambers, freezers, and temperature control systems designed for high efficiency and safety in cryopreservation applications.
These machines use the most innovative and eco-friendly cooling technologies,with superior temperature control, and enhanced safety features to ensure the integrity and viability of cryopreserved materials in medicine, biotechnology, and food science.
Also, the importance of environmentally friendly cooling is a key factor for Mirai in the production of its machines, especially for applications related to human health and life in general.
Mirai has a huge experience in applications for biobanking, storage and freeze-drying of biosamples and food. Projects realized with market leaders in these industries, which emphasizes the reliability of Mirai machines.
But application in cell culture, organ transplantation, stem cell research would highlight Mirai's commitment to supporting the critical needs of scientific research and healthcare.
Development prospects
The future of cryogenic freezing looks promising, with new methods being developed to improve how we preserve biological materials. These advancements could greatly benefit medicine and biotechnology, making procedures like organ transplants and stem cell research more successful. Cryogenic technologies are also finding uses in other areas, such as food science, where they help keep food fresh, and in engineering, where they change the properties of materials for better manufacturing processes.
