Storing biological samples is easy,study

Author: ChrisAdam | Posted: 31.03.2012

Biological samples are collected for various research purposes like research, study etc. These are usually collected by different types of research centres, hospitals and even commercial organizations. The same are then stored or preserved for future analysis. Now the thing is that these samples may degrade over time since considerable time passes between collection and analysis. To overcome that, these samples are usually stored in a cold environment where temperatures can be as low as -800C. This is the common procedure that is being adhered to. However there are certain shortcomings in storing biological samples in this way.

Refrigerators or deep freezers that are used to store biological samplesbiological samples release hydrofluorocarbonshydro fluorocarbons into the environment. These are very potent greenhouse gas pollutants. In addition the annual electricity consumption of a typical freezer (ultra-low temperature) is about 7665 KWh and it releases carbon dioxide of about 54805 pounds. There are also other issues as well. This system leaves behind a large amount of waste. Apart from the cost factor a lot of space is required for these huge refrigerators/freezers which could have been otherwise utilized for other important purposes. Moreover there is also risk of sample degradation due to power failure or multiple thawing cycles.

Due to these reasons organizations are now resorting to new approaches for storage of biological samplesbiological samples. With the help of new technologies samples can now be stored at room temperature. One such facility has already come up in San Diego in the US. The technology that is being implemented here is derived from the principles of extremophile biology. Under this technology certain organisms can be preserved in a dry state for as long as one hundred years. There is no degradation of the sample and the same can be retrieved easily when the time comes for analysis. Apart from being economical it is also practical and secure.

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