SPECIMEN CONTAINERS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR ACHIEVING VITRIFICATION THROUGH ULTRA-FAST COOLING

Cryopreservation is a technique that enables the storage and transport of biological specimens. Vitrification is a specific cryopreservation approach wherein ice formation is completely avoided and the specimen is preserved in a vitreous (i.e., glassy) state. Vitrification requires a combination of high concentrations of cryoprotective agents (CPAs) and rapid cooling and rewarming rates to outrun the kinetics of ice crystallization. As CPAs are quite toxic at concentrations needed to vitrify (2–8 M), several approaches have been developed to maximize heat transfer, thereby reducing the concentration of CPA required for vitrification. One such approach is the development of novel container technologies. These technologies have played a central role in enabling the preservation of cells, embryos, pathogens, tissue slices, and whole organisms. In this chapter, we will discuss a range of containers and technologies developed to enable rapid vitrification of biological specimens along with their design parameters and thermal properties, followed by highlighting their application towards the preservation of different biospecimens.