Transforming Biostorage: Behind the Sustainable Refrigeration Technology that Powers the Azenta BioArc™ Ultra Automated Sample Storage System

MIRAI Intex and Refolution Support Azenta in Transforming Automated Biostorage

Earlier this year, in a groundbreaking advancement set to transform the current state of biobanking and redefine the future of large-scale automated biostorage, Azenta Life Sciences introduced the BioArc™ Ultra -80°C Automated Sample Storage System, powered by eco-friendly air cycle refrigeration technology from MIRAI Intex, and supported by engineering expertise from Refolution. The BioArc Ultra demonstrates a giant leap forward in sustainable, high-density automated biostorage used for biotech research, pharmaceutical development, and biobanking. 

The Ultra showcases the successful integration of cutting-edge air cycling refrigeration technology from MIRAI with the market-leading Azenta automated sample storage systems, creating a new generation of sustainable, high-density biostorage with precise temperature control, energy-savings, and space efficiency.

Pioneering a New Era in Biobanking and Sample Storage

In life sciences, long-term storage of biological samples at ultra-cold temperatures is crucial for advancing medical research, developing treatments, and understanding diseases. However, the traditional manual freezer technologies used for biostorage and biobanking face challenges, including energy inefficiency, sample security, access control, space requirements, and temperature stability. The BioArc Ultra aims to address these challenges by creating a space- and energy-efficient automated system with zero global warming potential and up to 79% lower TEWI (Total Equivalent Warming Impact)*. 

Introducing a New Type of Air Cooling System

The Azenta BioArc Ultra promises to be a game-changer in the life sciences industry. The -80°C automated biostorage system uses an innovative new type of refrigeration from MIRAI Intex that recirculates air to create a cooling effect, which not only reduces energy consumption but also eliminates the need for potentially harmful chemical refrigerants. As a result, the Ultra uses up to 77% less power than equivalent manual storage options.*

Along with environmental advantages, including using less power and having zero carbon emissions, the air cycle technology supports the ability to maintain consistent temperatures, critical for the preservation of sensitive biological samples. 

Refrigeration at the Heart of Innovation

The innovative automated storage system represents a synergy of expertise in sustainable refrigeration technology, automation, and systems integration. Refolution, based in Karlsruhe, Germany, provided the engineering expertise that enabled the successful integration of the MIRAI air-cooling system with the Azenta automated storage technology to create the ground-breaking BioArc Ultra. Refolution also supported the heat load calculation, air distribution design, maintenance, and improvement of the enclosure design. 

A Sustainable Future for Biostorage

With this ground-breaking technological advancement, Azenta Life Sciences has set the stage for a revolution in sustainable biostorage. The Azenta BioArc Ultra offers unprecedented efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, meeting the growing needs of the life sciences industry and paving the way for future advancements in medical research and healthcare.

About Azenta Life Sciences

Azenta, Inc. (Nasdaq: AZTA) is a leading provider of life sciences solutions worldwide, enabling impactful breakthroughs and therapies to market faster. Azenta provides a full suite of reliable cold-chain sample management solutions and multiomics services across areas such as drug development, clinical research and advanced cell therapies for the industry's top pharmaceutical, biotech, academic and healthcare institutions globally. Our global team delivers and supports these products and services through our industry-leading brands, including GENEWIZ, FluidX, Ziath, 4titude, Limfinity, Freezer Pro, Barkey and B Medical Systems. Azenta is headquartered in Burlington, MA, with operations in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit azenta.com.

About MIRAI Intex

MIRAI Intex is a leading provider of innovative air cycle refrigeration solutions, dedicated to delivering cutting edge technology under the MIRAI Cold brand, with a focus on sustainability and performance. With a track record of excellence and a commitment to customer satisfaction, MIRAI Intex continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of refrigeration and introduces the new product line for process cooling, MIRAI X CRYO, meeting the stringent requirements of various industry applications. To learn more, visit: mirai-intex.com    

About Refolution GmbH

Based in Karlsruhe, Germany, Refolution was founded in 2019 with the aim of implementing the challenges of climate change using only “natural” refrigerants. Amongst a diverse range of projects, the company has had great success providing systems for freeze drying in pharmaceutical applications. Refolution is a confluence of three main ideas: Evolution, Solution and Revolution. The company focuses on optimizing and developing existing technologies and systems, understanding customer needs in detail to develop optimal solutions, and using new technologies and possibilities to achieve the best result. For more information, please visit. refolution.de