Biobanking is the systematic collection, processing, and long-term cryogenic storage of biological samples for use in scientific research, clinical diagnostics, drug development, and personalised medicine. A biobank preserves biological material — including blood, plasma, serum, tissue, DNA, RNA, cell lines, stem cells, embryos, oocytes, and sperm — under controlled cryogenic conditions to maintain sample integrity for years or decades.
The global biobanking sector encompasses population biobanks such as UK Biobank with over 500,000 participants, disease-specific collections supporting cancer and rare disease research, reproductive biobanks operated by HFEA-licensed fertility clinics and sperm banks, stem cell repositories including the UK Stem Cell Bank operated by the MHRA, and cord blood banks preserving haematopoietic stem cells from umbilical cord blood at birth.
The cryogenic equipment requirements of a biobank reflect both the scale of sample storage and the regulatory environment. The primary storage infrastructure consists of large-capacity liquid nitrogen storage tanks that maintain samples at -196 degrees Celsius continuously, with automated LN2 supply systems, continuous temperature and level monitoring, and remote alarm capability. For biobanks seeking ISO 20387 accreditation — the international quality standard for biobanking — continuous monitoring with documented alarm response records is a specific accreditation requirement.
The CryoBank Series from Cryolab provides liquid nitrogen storage tanks from 350 to 1,800 litres, capable of storing between 15,000 and 95,000 two-millilitre vials in a single vessel. The integrated alarm system monitors LN2 levels, temperatures, and power status with remote notification capability, while the touchscreen interface provides data logging for quality management documentation.
For the initial freeze of cell lines, stem cells, blood, and tissue, a controlled-rate freezer provides programmable slow-cooling protocols ensuring reproducible results. Cryovials — including barcoded formats compatible with LIMS integration — provide the sample-level storage and identification infrastructure for large-scale biobank inventory management. For sample distribution between sites, cryoshippers maintain cryogenic temperatures during validated transport without free liquid nitrogen.
In the UK, reproductive biobanks are regulated by the HFEA. Research biobanks must comply with the Human Tissue Act 2004 under the Human Tissue Authority, and with UK GDPR for personal and genetic data associated with stored samples. ISO 20387:2018 provides the international quality management framework for biobanking accreditation.
Source: ISO 20387:2018, Biotechnology — Biobanking. Human Tissue Act 2004. HFEA Code of Practice, 9th Edition, 2023.
Further reading: Biobanking Guide | CryoBank Series | Cryovials | Controlled-Rate Freezers
