[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2024243642A1 - Emballage pour la conservation d'un matériel biologique - Google Patents

Emballage pour la conservation d'un matériel biologique Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024243642A1
WO2024243642A1 PCT/AU2024/050574 AU2024050574W WO2024243642A1 WO 2024243642 A1 WO2024243642 A1 WO 2024243642A1 AU 2024050574 W AU2024050574 W AU 2024050574W WO 2024243642 A1 WO2024243642 A1 WO 2024243642A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
packaging
biological material
wells
housing
substrate
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/AU2024/050574
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Sean Cameron
Brent Owens
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Vitrafy Life Sciences Ltd
Original Assignee
Vitrafy Life Sciences Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2023901757A external-priority patent/AU2023901757A0/en
Application filed by Vitrafy Life Sciences Ltd filed Critical Vitrafy Life Sciences Ltd
Publication of WO2024243642A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024243642A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M45/00—Means for pre-treatment of biological substances
    • C12M45/22—Means for packing or storing viable microorganisms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N1/00—Preservation of bodies of humans or animals, or parts thereof
    • A01N1/10—Preservation of living parts
    • A01N1/14—Mechanical aspects of preservation; Apparatus or containers therefor
    • A01N1/146—Non-refrigerated containers specially adapted for transporting or storing living parts whilst preserving
    • A01N1/147—Carriers for immersion in cryogenic fluid for slow freezing or vitrification
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B65D75/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
    • B65D75/325—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet being recessed, and the other being a flat not- rigid sheet, e.g. puncturable or peelable foil
    • B65D75/327—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet being recessed, and the other being a flat not- rigid sheet, e.g. puncturable or peelable foil and forming several compartments
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
    • C12N5/00—Undifferentiated human, animal or plant cells, e.g. cell lines; Tissues; Cultivation or maintenance thereof; Culture media therefor
    • C12N5/54—Mechanical aspects of preservation of animal cells or human cells; Apparatus or containers therefor
    • C12N5/546—Non-refrigerated containers specially adapted for transporting or storing animal cells or human cells whilst preserving
    • C12N5/547—Carriers for immersion in cryogenic fluid for slow freezing or vitrification
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/14—Details; Accessories therefor
    • A61J1/1468—Containers characterised by specific material properties
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J2200/00—General characteristics or adaptations
    • A61J2200/40—Heating or cooling means; Combinations thereof
    • A61J2200/44—Cooling means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/18—Means for temperature control
    • B01L2300/1894—Cooling means; Cryo cooling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2203/00—Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
    • B65D2203/06—Arrangements on packages concerning bar-codes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2203/00—Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
    • B65D2203/10—Transponders
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
    • C12N5/00—Undifferentiated human, animal or plant cells, e.g. cell lines; Tissues; Cultivation or maintenance thereof; Culture media therefor
    • C12N5/06—Animal cells or tissues; Human cells or tissues
    • C12N5/0602—Vertebrate cells
    • C12N5/0608—Germ cells
    • C12N5/061—Sperm cells, spermatogonia
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
    • C12N5/00—Undifferentiated human, animal or plant cells, e.g. cell lines; Tissues; Cultivation or maintenance thereof; Culture media therefor
    • C12N5/54—Mechanical aspects of preservation of animal cells or human cells; Apparatus or containers therefor
    • C12N5/542—Apparatus
    • C12N5/544—Apparatus for temperature control, e.g. refrigerators or freeze-drying apparatus
    • C12N5/545—Stationary or portable vessels generating cryogenic temperatures, e.g. liquid nitrogen baths
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/0723—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips the record carrier comprising an arrangement for non-contact communication, e.g. wireless communication circuits on transponder cards, non-contact smart cards or RFIDs
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/07749—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card
    • G06K19/07758—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card arrangements for adhering the record carrier to further objects or living beings, functioning as an identification tag

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to packaging for preservation of biological material, being particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for cryopreservation, cryostorage and thawing of low volume samples of biological material such as human sperm or the like.
  • Crystallization occurs through ice crystal nucleation and growth in both intracellular and extracellular regions when the temperature of the liquid approaches its crystallization temperature.
  • the crystallization is the phase transition of the first order including energy release owing to the latent heat of fusion.
  • a number of factors such as cooling rate, homogeneity and pressure affect the phase transition from liquid to solid.
  • the cooling rate is another parameter that has been used to optimize cell viability (Dumont, F., P. A. Marechai, and P. Gervais. 2003. Influence of cooling rate on Saccharomyces cerevisiae destruction during freezing: unexpected viability at ultra-rapid cooling rates. Cryobiology 46:33-42.). Simultaneous management of cryoprotective agents (CPAs) and the cooling rate, could be used. Indeed, the cooling rate determines ice crystal size during freezing. As a solution begins to freeze, water in the extracellular fluid turns to ice and hence increases the solute concentration in the liquid outside the cells.
  • the cell When cooling rates are very high, the cell may not have time to reduce its volume because of the rapid heat flow, and this may allow maintenance of significant viability. Therefore, the kinetics of freezing have a great effect on cell viability; however, most of the time the cooling rate is not well controlled.
  • PCT/AU2022/051570 discloses packaging for preservation of biological material, wherein, in use, the packaging is filled with biological material and placed in an apparatus for preserving the biological material such that a heat exchange fluid flows around the packaging, the packaging including: one or more packaging walls configured to define an internal compartment for receiving the biological material; and one or more thermal contours defined across at least one of the packaging walls, wherein, in use, the flow of the heat exchange fluid is at least partially directed by the one or more thermal contours to improve heat transfer between the heat exchange fluid and the biological material contained in the packaging.
  • an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide packaging for preservation of biological material, wherein, in use, the packaging is filled with one or more samples of biological material and placed in an apparatus for preserving the biological material such that a heat exchange fluid flows around the packaging, the packaging including: a substantially planar substrate including a leading edge that faces the flow of heat transfer fluid in use, a trailing edge opposing the leading edge, and opposing end edges; one or more wells defined in the substrate, each well being configured to receive a sample of biological material and including: a substantially planar base that is offset from the substrate; a sidewall surrounding the base and extending between the base and the substrate, the sidewall being angled outwardly from the base to the substrate; and a leading portion of the well facing the leading edge of the substrate, and an opposing trailing portion of the well facing the trailing edge of the substrate, the trailing portion being tapered inwardly relative to the leading portion in a direction that substantially aligns with the flow of the heat exchange fluid in use; and a sealing layer that
  • each of the one or more wells is configured to receive a sample of biological material having a volume of at least one of: less than 150 pL; between 0.1 pL and 100 pL; and between 20 pL and 80 pL.
  • each of the one or more wells is configured to receive a sample of biological material having a volume of at least one of: less than 1 mL; less than 5 mL; and less than 12 mL.
  • each of the one or wells is substantially teardrop shaped.
  • the trailing portion of each of the one or more wells includes a ramped region of the sidewall, the ramped region defining a shallower angle compared to other regions of the sidewall.
  • the packaging is configured to allow viewing of the samples of biological material contained within the one or more wells using an inverted microscope.
  • at least the base of each of the one or more wells is formed from a substantially transparent material.
  • the sealing layer is configured to allow a sample of biological material to be extracted from one of the wells using a needle inserted through the sealing layer.
  • the packaging includes a plurality of wells that are spaced apart between the end edges.
  • adjacent wells are spaced apart by a predetermined spacing distance.
  • the packaging is configured to be received in a housing that is placed in the apparatus for preserving the biological material such that the heat exchange fluid flows around the packaging while the packaging is in the housing.
  • the housing includes a flow diverter for guiding the flow of heat exchange fluid around the packaging, the packaging being designed to account for the flow of heat exchange fluid due to the diverter.
  • a material used to form the packaging is selected from one or more of: polymers; copolymers; resins; polystyrene (PS); polypropylene (PP); polycarbonate (PC); cyclo olefin copolymer (COC); polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG); thermoplastic elastomer (TPE); ionomeric resin; photopolymer resin; aluminium; and heat activated adhesive.
  • the packaging is configured for preservation of biological material that is selected from one of: sperm; embryos; zygotes; blastocysts; oocytes; gametes; and tissue.
  • the packaging is configured for preservation of biological material to be used for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures.
  • ART Assisted Reproductive Technology
  • the packaging is configured for at least one of: cry opreservation of biological material; cryostorage of biological material; and thawing of biological material.
  • the packaging is configured for use with a heat transfer rate selected from one of: between 0°C and 10°C per minute; between 10°C and 50°C per minute; between 50°C and 100°C per minute; and greater than 100°C per minute.
  • the packaging includes an identification device that can be used to obtain identification information of the packaging.
  • the packaging includes at least one of: a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag; a bar code; a QR code; and a near field communication (NFC) chip.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • NFC near field communication
  • the packaging includes at least one of: a processor; a communication device; a data store; and one or more sensors.
  • the packaging is configured to communicate with a processing device to provide at least one of: status information for the biological material; and monitoring information for the biological material.
  • an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a method for preservation of biological material using an apparatus for preserving the biological material that provides a flow of a heat exchange fluid, the method including: filling packaging with one or more samples of biological material, the packaging including: a substantially planar substrate including a leading edge that faces the flow of heat transfer fluid in use, a trailing edge opposing the leading edge, and opposing end edges; and one or more wells defined in the substrate, each well receiving a sample of biological material and including: a substantially planar base that is offset from the substrate; a sidewall surrounding the base and extending between the base and the substrate, the sidewall being angled outwardly from the base to the substrate; and a leading portion of the well facing the leading edge of the substrate and an opposing trailing portion of the well facing the trailing edge of the substrate, the trailing portion being tapered inwardly relative to the leading portion in a flow direction that substantially aligns with the flow of the heat exchange fluid; applying a sealing layer to the substrate of the packaging, to
  • the packaging includes at least one of: a processor; a communication device; a data store; and one or more sensors, and wherein the method includes the packaging communicating with a processing device to provide at least one of: status information for the biological material; and monitoring information for the biological material.
  • the method includes: placing the packaging inside a housing; and placing the housing in the apparatus for preserving the biological material such that the heat exchange fluid flows around the packaging while the packaging is in the housing.
  • the method includes placing a plurality of the packaging inside the housing, the substrate of each packaging being spaced apart to allow heat exchange fluid to flow around the respective wells of each packaging.
  • the method further includes storing the housing and packaging inside the housing in a cryogenic storage dewar.
  • the method includes using an identification device of the housing to obtain identification information of the housing.
  • the method includes using a processing device to associate identification information of any packaging inside the housing with the identification information of the housing.
  • the housing includes at least one of: a processor; a communication device; a data store; and one or more sensors, and wherein the method includes the housing communicating with a processing device to provide at least one of: status information for the biological material; and monitoring information for the biological material.
  • Figure 1 is a photograph showing an example of packaging for preservation of biological material and an example of a housing for use with the packaging;
  • Figure 2A is a schematic perspective view of the packaging of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 2B is a schematic top view of the packaging of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 2C is a schematic side view of the packaging of Figure 1;
  • Figure 2D is a schematic cross section view of the packaging of Figure 1 taken at section A-A of Figure 2B ;
  • Figure 3 A is a schematic perspective view of the housing of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3B is a schematic end view of the housing of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3C is a schematic side view of the housing of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3D is a schematic cross section view of the housing of Figure 1 taken at section B-B of Figure 3C;
  • Figure 4 is a cross section view of experimental packaging including five wells each having different sidewall angles;
  • Figure 5 is a photograph showing seven instances of the experimental packaging of Figure 4 with their wells filled with different volumes samples of human sperm, with or without use of cryoprotective agents (CPAs);
  • Figure 6 is a temperature map for a well of the packaging filled with a sample and a portion of the housing, during cryopreservation of the sample using the packaging, based on the results of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of the packaging and the housing;
  • Figure 7A is a plot of temperature gradients over time at different analysis positions taken horizontally across a well of the packaging, during cryopreservation of the sample, based on the results of CFD analysis of the packaging and the housing;
  • Figure 7B is a plot of temperature gradients over time at different analysis positions taken vertically across the well of the packaging, during cryopreservation of the sample, based on the results of CFD analysis of the packaging and the housing;
  • Figure 8A is a plot of temperature gradients over time at different analysis positions taken horizontally across the well of the packaging, during cryopreservation of the sample, based on the results of CFD analysis of the packaging and the housing, modelled with air thermal properties;
  • Figure 8B is a plot of temperature gradients over time at different analysis positions taken vertically across the well of the packaging, during cryopreservation of the sample, based on the results of CFD analysis of the packaging and the housing, modelled with air thermal properties.
  • packaging 100 for preservation of biological material will now be described with reference to Figure 1 and Figures 2A to 2D.
  • the packaging 100 is provided so that, in use, the packaging 100 may be filled with biological material and placed in an apparatus for preserving the biological material such that a heat exchange fluid flows around the packaging 100.
  • the packaging 100 may be held in a housing 200, as shown in Figure 1 and in further detail in Figures 3A to 3D.
  • the housing 200 can facilitate improved handling and storage of the packaging 100, and suitably configured embodiments of the housing 200 can also improve heat flow around the packaging 100 during the preservation process.
  • biological material includes the following non-exhaustive list of materials: blood, plasma, platelets, leucocytes or other blood products; germs, viruses bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms, organs or parts thereof, seminal fluid, eggs, colostrum, skin, serum, vaccines, stem cells (e.g. from bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, amniotic fluid, etc.), umbilical cords, bone marrow, germ cells, tumour cells, colostrum, or other human, animal or plant cells.
  • stem cells e.g. from bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, amniotic fluid, etc.
  • Embodiments of the packaging 100 described herein are specifically configured for preservation of low volume samples of human sperm as the biological material, particularly microvolumes of less than 100 .L, although it should be appreciated that the packaging 100 may be configured for a wide range of biological materials including other materials that are not explicitly mentioned herein.
  • other possible applications for the packaging 100 include preservation of embryos, zygote, blastocysts, oocytes, gametes, or tissue (particularly reproductive tissue such as ovarian tissue) of humans or animals.
  • the packaging 100 may be specifically configured for preservation of samples for use in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures. It should be appreciated that the examples of biological materials identified herein are not intended to be an exhaustive list, and the packaging may also be used in the preservation of other biological materials.
  • ART Assisted Reproductive Technology
  • preservation refers to a variety of processes that may be used in connection with the storage of biological material. In some examples, preservation may involve freezing or cooling the biological material, storage of the frozen or cooled biological material, and thawing the biological material or otherwise returning the biological material to a desired temperature for subsequent use as required. Preferred embodiments of the packaging may be specifically configured for at least one of cryopreservation of biological material, cryostorage of biological material, and thawing of biological material.
  • the apparatus may comprise an inner housing arranged within an outer insulated housing, wherein walls of the inner housing define a compartment for receiving biological products, said walls comprising an inlet wall for inflow of a heat exchange fluid into the compartment, an opposed outlet wall for outflow of a heat exchange fluid out of the compartment, side walls and a base, the side walls and base adjoining the inlet wall to the outlet wall, wherein the inlet wall and outlet wall each include a series of apertures to accommodate a continuous heat exchange fluid flow through the apparatus such that, in operation, an item received in the compartment of the inner housing are immersed in the heat exchange fluid to exchange heat with the heat exchange fluid.
  • the packaging 100 is filled with biological material and placed in the compartment of the inner housing of the apparatus such that a heat exchange fluid flows around the packaging 100.
  • the packaging 100 includes a substantially planar substrate 110 including a leading edge 111 that faces the flow of heat transfer fluid in use, a trailing edge 112 opposing the leading edge, and opposing end edges 113, 114, one or more wells 120 defined in the substrate 110, each well being configured to receive a sample of biological material, and a sealing layer 150 that is applied to the substrate 110 in use, to enclose the one or more wells 120 and respective samples of biological material contained within the one or more wells.
  • each of the one or more wells 120 includes a substantially planar base 121 that is offset from the substrate 110, a sidewall 122 surrounding the base 121 and extending between the base 121 and the substrate 110, the sidewall 122 being angled outwardly from the base 121 to the substrate 110.
  • Each of the one or more wells 120 includes a leading portion 123 of the well 120 facing the leading edge 111 of the substrate, and an opposing trailing portion 124 of the well facing the trailing edge 112 of the substrate.
  • the trailing portion 124 is tapered inwardly relative to the leading portion 123 in a direction that substantially aligns with the flow of the heat exchange fluid in use.
  • the tapered shape of the wells 120 may help to direct the flow of the heat exchange fluid around the wells and the samples of biological material contained in the wells 120, to thereby facilitate more even heat transfer between the heat exchange fluid and the samples of biological material. This could help to avoid regions of relatively higher or lower heat transfer which could otherwise lead to the presence of “hot spots” or “cold spots” in the biological material in use. It will be appreciated that such hot spots or cold spots are generally undesirable as these represent variations in the heat transfer rate which could have adverse impacts upon cell viability or the like during or after the preservation of the biological material.
  • the wells 120 may be provided with a tapered shape to at least partially control or optimise the heat transfer rate between the heat exchange fluid and the samples of biological material contained within the wells 120.
  • the tapered shape of the wells 120 may be configured with regard to the packaging geometry, thermal properties of the biological material, packaging material and the heat exchange fluid, and operating conditions of the apparatus, to ensure that the heat transfer between the heat exchange fluid and the samples of biological material is substantially evenly distributed relative to the packaging geometry.
  • the configuration of the wells 120 may be selected based on a thermal analysis of the packaging 100 in its intended use, and suitable techniques for doing so will be discussed in further detail in due course.
  • the tapered well 120 shape has been specifically developed to improve the heat removal path, and involves providing the leading portion with a relatively large face / volume at the front of the well 120 (with regard to the flow direction), and the trailing portion with a taper to the rear of the well 120, facilitating better flow attachment of the flow of heat exchange fluid around the well 120.
  • This can provide a high surface area / unit volume to allow faster heat exchange, and the shape of the wells 120 can be selected to ensure alignment of the phase change point within the sample. Further advantages of embodiments of the above described configuration include more uniform heat removal (from all directions), and a shorter heat path that results in heat being removed in all directions (balancing cross section and volume).
  • packaging 100 in which the wells 120 have a trailing portion 124 that is tapered inwardly relative to a leading portion 123 can facilitate improved cryopreservation, cryostorage and/or thawing of the biological material compared to the use of traditional packaging.
  • each of the one or more wells 120 will preferably be configured to receive a sample of biological material having a volume of one of less than 150 ,L.
  • the wells 120 may be configured to receive a sample of biological material having a volume of between 0.1 pL and 100 pL.
  • the wells 120 may be configured to receive a sample of biological material having a volume of between 20 pL and 80 pL.
  • volumetric capacity of the wells 120 may exceed the sample volumes as exemplified above, since the wells 120 will not typically be filled completely and some unfilled volume may actually be desirable to allow for efficient filling, sealing and handling of the wells 120.
  • each of the one or more wells 120 may be configured to receive a sample of biological material having a volume of less than 1 mL, and it will be appreciated that this may provide a useful alternative to the plastic straws with volumes on the order of 0.5 mL that are commonly used for freezing of semen samples.
  • the wells 120 may be configured to receive a sample of biological material having a volume of less than 5 mL, such as for freezing of human semen samples.
  • the wells 120 may be configured to receive a sample of biological material having a volume of less than 12 mL, such as for freezing of animal semen samples (for instance equine or bovine semen samples).
  • each of the wells 120 may be substantially teardrop shaped, as can be best seen from the top view of Figure 2B.
  • the leading portion 123 of each well 120 may include an enlarged, rounded profile in contrast to the inwardly tapered profile of the trailing portion 124 of each well 120, which almost tapers to a point in some examples. It will be appreciated that such teardrop shaped wells may provide improved flow of the heat exchange fluid around the wells 120 and thus improve the heat transfer performance.
  • the particular shape of the wells 120 may be optimised with regard to the expected flow of the heat exchange fluid within the apparatus and relative to the packaging 100 in use. This may be determined experimentally or theoretically, for instance by performing a thermal analysis of the flow conditions, such as by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis or the like.
  • the packaging may be configured so that the shape of the wells 120 ensures desired flow characteristics in use.
  • the trailing portion 124 of each of the wells 120 may include a ramped region of the sidewall 122 as can be seen in Figure 2D, where the ramped region defines a shallower angle compared to other regions of the sidewall 122.
  • This ramped region provides a more tapered and streamlined shape to the trailing portion 124 of each well 120, but also provides other advantages in use, such as to improve sample handling by guiding devices such as needles or pipettes towards the base 121 where the sample will typically be located in use.
  • the packaging 100 may be configured to allow viewing of the samples of biological material contained within the one or more wells 120 using an inverted microscope.
  • at least the base 121 of each of the one or more wells 120 may be formed from a substantially transparent material. It will be appreciated that such a substantially planar and transparent base 121 can be positioned over an inverted microscope to facilitate viewing of the sample contained within the well 120.
  • the substrate 110 and the wells 120 of the packaging 100 may be formed from the same substantially transparent material, and in some cases may be formed as a unitary body using injection molding or thermo forming techniques, or the like.
  • the base 121 may be formed from a different material compared to the substrate 110 and the other portions of the wells 120. This may allow the base 121 to be formed from a material with improved optical transmission properties that may not be needed for other parts of the packaging 100, such that other materials may provide other desirable qualities and/or cost effectiveness for forming the substrate 110 and the other portions of the wells 120.
  • the sealing layer 150 may be formed from a different material compared to other portions of the packaging 100, depending on the design requirements.
  • the material for forming the sealing layer 150 may be selected to take into account how the sealing layer 150 is to be applied to the substrate 110 to enclose the wells 120 and respective samples of biological material contained within the wells 120.
  • Other factors to be considered in the material selection for the sealing layer 150 include peel-ability (for example, to remove the sealing layer 150 for allowing access to the sample of biological material following preservation), and optical characteristics for allowing viewing of the sample using an inverted microscope as mentioned above (for example, to provide a white background to the sample for improved view-ability).
  • the material or materials used to form the packaging 100 may be selected from a wide range of suitable materials for medical grade packaging purposes. Some other general material selection factors taken into consideration may include cytotoxicity (biocompatibility), ability to withstand low temperatures (particularly down to -196°C for cryogenic storage), thermal conductivity, sterility.
  • the packaging material may be selected from one or more of polymers, copolymers or resins.
  • packaging materials that may be suitable for forming the packaging include polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), cyclo olefin copolymer (COC), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) (such as Mediprene), ionomeric resin, and photopolymer resin (such as Formlabs BioMed Clear Resin).
  • the packaging materials may include aluminium and/or heat activated adhesive, for example to form the sealing layer 150. It will be understood that different packaging materials may allow packaging with different properties.
  • the sealing layer 150 may be configured to allow a sample of biological material to be extracted from one of the wells 120 using a needle inserted through the sealing layer 150.
  • the needle may be inserted through the sealing layer 150 where it encloses a well 120 and used to extract the sample.
  • an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) needle may be used to extract a sample from one of the wells 120. This can allow a sperm sample to be quickly retrieved, and can also allow the sample to be flooded with media to reduce toxic effects of cryoprotectant without having to wash the sample.
  • ICSI intracytoplasmic sperm injection
  • the packaging 100 may include a plurality of wells 120 that are spaced apart between the end edges 113, 114. It will be appreciated that providing multiple wells 120 on the packaging 100 allows the packaging 100 to be used for the preservation of multiple samples of biological material and thus may provide for more efficient preservation of a large quantity of samples. However, it should be understood that it is not essential to provide a plurality of wells 120 and in some examples a single well 120 may be provided.
  • Adjacent wells 120 may be spaced apart by a predetermined spacing distance, which can help to ensure consistent flow of heat exchange fluid around each of the wells 120.
  • the particular spacing distance will typically depend on the geometrical configuration of the packaging 100 and may also depend on other factors such as the particular biological material the packaging 100 will be filled with.
  • packaging should be configured so that the tapered shape of each well 120 should be aligned with the direction of the flow of heat exchange fluid in use, in other words the tapered wells 120 should be substantially parallel with one another. Such a parallel arrangement may help direct the flow of the heat exchange fluid relative to the packaging 100 in use.
  • Embodiments of the packaging 100 may also include feet 131, 132 at the respective end edges 113, 114, which can allow the packaging 100 to be placed on a surface such that the feet 131, 132 support the packaging 100 in a stable manner.
  • the wells 120 may be configured so the base 121 of each well 120 rests on the same surface for improved stability. However, in some other examples, the wells 120 may be configured so that the base 121 will be elevated from the surface.
  • the packaging 100 may include an additional foot 133 offset from the foot 131 at the first end 113.
  • the additional foot 133 may improve stability of the packaging near the wells 120 when if the packaging 100 includes an extended portion that does not include wells 120, which can facilitate manual handling of the packaging 100 without fingers of a user having to be placed near the wells 120.
  • the packaging 100 may optionally include an identification device 140 that can be used to obtain identification information of the packaging 100.
  • the packaging 100 may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or the like to facilitate improved identification and tracking of the packaging 100 any samples of biological material contained within it.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the packaging may include a barcode or a QR code that can be scanned to obtain identification information of the packaging. It will be appreciated that this can enable so-called “smart packaging" functionalities, including monitoring and controlling the preservation process for samples while they are contained within packaging 100.
  • Embodiments of the packaging 100 may include a processor, a communication device, a data store, and/or one or more sensors. It will be appreciated that this can enable facilitate two-way transfer of data between the packaging 100 and another processing devices, such as a processor of an apparatus for preserving the biological material to allow for enhanced monitoring and controlling of the preservation process.
  • the packaging is configured to communicate with a processing device to provide at least one of: status information for the biological material; and monitoring information for the biological material.
  • the communication device may be in the form of a near field communication (NFC) chip or any other suitable form of wireless communication device.
  • the sensors may include a temperature sensor, a location sensor and/or a shock sensor, and may be used to update the monitoring information.
  • the packaging 100 may be configured for use with a range of different apparatus for preserving the biological material, with a range of different operational parameters.
  • the packaging 100 may be configured for compatibility with a heat transfer rate selected from: between 0°C and 10°C per minute; between 10°C and 50°C per minute; between 50°C and 100°C per minute; and greater than 100°C per minute.
  • preferred forms of the packaging 100 may be configured to be received in a housing 200 that can be placed in the apparatus for preserving the biological material such that the heat exchange fluid flows around the packaging 100 while the packaging 100 is in the housing 200. Further details of preferred embodiments of the housing 200 will now be described with regard to Figures 3A to 3D.
  • the housing 200 includes an end plate 210 and a body 220 extending from the endplate 210 to an opposing end wall 221.
  • the endplate 210 defines an opening 211 through which a packaging 100 may be inserted into an appropriate defined receptacle 230 within the housing 200.
  • the housing 200 may include multiple receptacles 230 (in this case, three), for receiving respective packaging 100.
  • the housing 200 is designed to allow the heat exchange fluid to flow around the packaging 100 while the packaging 100 is in the housing 200, and accordingly, the body 220 has open sides which allows a flow of heat exchange fluid from one side to the other, so as to flow around the packaging 100 from its leading edge 111 to its trailing edge 112 in use.
  • the housing 200 may also include a flow diverter 231 for guiding the flow of heat exchange fluid around the packaging 100.
  • the packaging 100 may thus be designed to account for the flow of heat exchange fluid due to the diverter 231.
  • the housing 200 will ideally be configured so that the packaging 100 can be securely retained within the corresponding receptacle 230 once inserted.
  • the receptacles 230 are designed so that feet 131, 132, 133 engage with corresponding structures when the packaging 100 is inserted.
  • cutouts 222 are defined in the end wall 221 of the body 220, which are shaped to engage with the end 114 and associated foot 132 of the packaging 100 when inserted.
  • the other feet 131, 133 of the packaging may engage with other surfaces within the body 220, such as a portion of the flow diverter or structures in the vicinity of the opening 211.
  • Preferred embodiments of the housing 200 may be specifically configured for use with a cryogenic storage dewar which may be filled with liquid nitrogen to allow long term cryostorage of the packaging 100 and samples contained within the wells 120 following cryopreservation. It will be appreciated that this can enable the same packaging 100 and housing 200 to be used at different stages throughout the preservation and storage of the samples, thereby eliminating the need for manual handling of the packaging 100 or transfer of the samples as may be required under traditional techniques.
  • the housing may include an identification device 240 that can be used to obtain identification information of the housing 200, such as and RFID tag or the like, in a similar manner as discussed above for the packaging 100.
  • the identification information of the housing 200 may be associated with identification information of any packaging 100 housed inside the housing 200, and the respective biological samples contained in their wells 120, to allow these to be tracked process together in an efficient manner.
  • Embodiments of the housing 200 may also include a processor, a communication device, a data store, and/or one or more sensors, to enable enhanced monitoring and control of the preservation process.
  • embodiments of the packaging 100 as described above may be used in a method for preservation of biological material using an apparatus for preserving the biological material that provides a flow of a heat exchange fluid, the method including: filling the packaging 100 with one or more samples of biological material, with each of the wells 120 defined in the substrate 110 of the packaging receiving a sample of biological material, applying a sealing layer 150 to the substrate 110 of the packaging 100, to enclose the wells 120 and respective samples of biological material contained within the wells 120, and placing the packaging 100 in the apparatus for preserving the biological material such that a heat exchange fluid flows around the packaging 100.
  • This method may be extended to use a housing 200 as discussed above, such that the method includes steps of placing the packaging 100 inside a housing 200, and placing the housing 200 in the apparatus for preserving the biological material such that the heat exchange fluid flows around the packaging 100 while the packaging 100 is in the housing 200.
  • the housing 200 will be configured to receive multiple instances of the packaging 100, such that the method may include placing a plurality of the packaging 100 inside the housing 200, the substrate 110 of each packaging 100 being spaced apart to allow heat exchange fluid to flow around the respective wells 120 of each packaging 100.
  • the method may further include storing the housing 200 and packaging 100 received inside the housing 200 in a cryogenic storage dewar to allow subsequent storage of the samples after their preservation, while remaining in the packaging 100 and housing 200.
  • the applicant conducted physical geometry testing to evaluate the volume capacity and sample shape due to surface tension in the well.
  • the experimental packaging 400 shown in Figures 4 was produced to test the effects of different sidewall angles (with five wells 410, 420, 430, 440, 450 having increasing sidewall angles). The results of this testing for different sample volumes, with or without use of cryoprotective agents (CPAs), is shown in Figure 5.
  • This experimental packaging 400 was also used to evaluate access to the sample using an ICSI needle under an inverted microscope (with regard to different sidewall angles relative to the base section).
  • CFD computational fluid dynamics
  • the CFD analysis involved modelling the flow of heat transfer fluid around the packaging 100 with regard to the geometry of the substrate 110, a well 120, and a diverter 231 of the housing 200.
  • Figure 6 shows an example of a temperature map for a well 120 of the packaging 100 filled with a sample and a diverter 231 of the housing, during cryopreservation of the sample.
  • Various flow conditioning diffuser shapes were tested to improve flow on the low-pressure side of the sample coinciding with the well.
  • the CFD analysis was conducted for two different scenarios. Both scenarios considered a substantially teardrop shaped well 120, having a 50 p.L sample volume, with bounded flow and the same diffuser design in each.
  • the second scenario was included air modelled thermal properties where the first scenario did not. It was found that the diffuser aids in phase 2 heat removal compared to earlier modelling of free flow without a diffuser. The inclusion of air modelled thermal properties in the second scenario resulted in the fastest phase 2 heat removal.
  • Table 1 Heat transfer rates at different positions taken horizontally across well, for the first scenario of CFD analysis (corresponding to Figure 7A).
  • Table 2 Heat transfer rates at different positions taken vertically across well, for the first scenario of CFD analysis (corresponding to Figure 7B).
  • Table 3 Heat transfer rates at different positions taken horizontally across well, for the second scenario of CFD analysis (corresponding to Figure 8A).
  • packaging 100 provides a useful new packaging design for preservation of microvolume samples of sperm or the like.
  • Implementations of the packaging 100 may be used to optimise the post thaw outcomes and give clinics the ability to successfully freeze sperm in microvolumes with improved handling techniques and with the same packaging allowing subsequent storage of the samples.
  • the packaging 100 allows for volumes of less than 150 pL and preferably between 20 pL and 80 pL to be frozen individually and can be used together with a housing 200 that is suitable to be used both with the preservation apparatus during preservation, and with liquid nitrogen dewars for long-term storage of samples.
  • This allows a complete supply chain packaging solution from cryopreservation, storage, thawing, with the use of the same devices throughout the whole process.
  • the same packaging and housing can be used from loading prior to the cryopreservation, during cryopreservation and long-term storage in liquid nitrogen removing the requirement of multiple identification steps.
  • Suitable embodiments of the packaging 100 can also be used with an inverted microscope for microsperm collection by providing a transparent base 121, and can allow the use of an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) needle to extract samples from the wells, particularly by inserting the need through the sealing layer 150 without requiring its removal.
  • ICSI intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Biotechnology (AREA)
  • Genetics & Genomics (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Microbiology (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Cell Biology (AREA)
  • Composite Materials (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un emballage pour la conservation de matériel biologique. Lors de l'utilisation, l'emballage est rempli d'un ou plusieurs échantillons de matériel biologique et placé dans un appareil pour conserver le matériel biologique de telle sorte qu'un fluide d'échange de chaleur s'écoule autour de l'emballage, l'emballage comprenant : un substrat sensiblement plan comprenant un bord d'attaque qui fait face à l'écoulement de fluide de transfert de chaleur lors de l'utilisation, un bord de fuite opposé au bord d'attaque, et des bords d'extrémité opposés ; un ou plusieurs puits définis dans le substrat, chaque puits étant conçu pour recevoir un échantillon de matériel biologique et comprenant : une base sensiblement plane, une paroi latérale, une partie d'attaque du puits et une partie de fuite opposée du puits ; et une couche d'étanchéité qui est appliquée sur le substrat lors de l'utilisation, pour enfermer ledit puits et des échantillons respectifs de matériel biologique contenus à l'intérieur dudit puits.
PCT/AU2024/050574 2023-06-02 2024-05-31 Emballage pour la conservation d'un matériel biologique Pending WO2024243642A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2023901757A AU2023901757A0 (en) 2023-06-02 Packaging for preservation of biological material
AU2023901757 2023-06-02

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024243642A1 true WO2024243642A1 (fr) 2024-12-05

Family

ID=93656229

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2024/050574 Pending WO2024243642A1 (fr) 2023-06-02 2024-05-31 Emballage pour la conservation d'un matériel biologique

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2024243642A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5622675A (en) * 1993-04-16 1997-04-22 Beckman Instruments, Inc. Sample segment
US20140157798A1 (en) * 2012-12-06 2014-06-12 Cook Medical Technologies Llc Cryogenic Storage Container, Storage Device, and Methods of Using the Same
WO2014151996A2 (fr) * 2013-03-14 2014-09-25 Gen-Probe Incorporated Systèmes, procédés et appareils pour effectuer des dosages automatisés à base de réactif
WO2022126202A1 (fr) * 2020-12-18 2022-06-23 Vitrafy Life Sciences Limited Procédé et appareil de préservation de matériau biologique
WO2023077622A1 (fr) * 2021-11-08 2023-05-11 深圳先进技术研究院 Puce de traitement de changement de liquide et tige de support de congélation

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5622675A (en) * 1993-04-16 1997-04-22 Beckman Instruments, Inc. Sample segment
US20140157798A1 (en) * 2012-12-06 2014-06-12 Cook Medical Technologies Llc Cryogenic Storage Container, Storage Device, and Methods of Using the Same
WO2014151996A2 (fr) * 2013-03-14 2014-09-25 Gen-Probe Incorporated Systèmes, procédés et appareils pour effectuer des dosages automatisés à base de réactif
WO2022126202A1 (fr) * 2020-12-18 2022-06-23 Vitrafy Life Sciences Limited Procédé et appareil de préservation de matériau biologique
WO2023077622A1 (fr) * 2021-11-08 2023-05-11 深圳先进技术研究院 Puce de traitement de changement de liquide et tige de support de congélation

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
Shaw et al. Terminology associated with vitrification and other cryopreservation procedures for oocytes and embryos
US9877475B2 (en) Systems and methods for cryopreservation of cells
US8709797B2 (en) Systems and methods for cryopreservation of cells
Liebermann et al. Recent developments in human oocyte, embryo and blastocyst vitrification: where are we now?
US20100281886A1 (en) Systems, devices and methods for freezing and thawing biological materials
US7939316B2 (en) Systems and methods for cryopreservation of cells
McGrath Preservation of biological material by freezing and thawing
Arav et al. New methods for cooling and storing oocytes and embryos in a clean environment of− 196 C
US10271542B2 (en) Hollow fiber cryopreservation instrument and cell cryopreservation method
WO2024243642A1 (fr) Emballage pour la conservation d'un matériel biologique
AU2024278885A1 (en) Packaging for preservation of biological material
US20250057151A1 (en) Packaging for preservation of biological material
JP2012523939A (ja) 流動性の生体物質を保存するための容器、および流動性の生体物質を保存するための方法
EP4278138A1 (fr) Procédé et appareil de conservation de matériel biologique
AU2009200073B2 (en) Systems and methods for cryopreservation of cells
Tomlinson 15 Therapeutic sperm cryopreservation
Yata Microfluidics in Cryopreservation of Animal Gametes and Embryos
Oocyte ChapterChapter
Zacà et al. Chapter 8 Human oocytes slow-rate freezing: methodology
Natarajamani Cryopreservation of Human Semen
Denisova Influence of Cryoprotectants and Freezing on Mammalian Erythrocytes
Picton et al. Egg freezing: the reality and practicality

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 24813613

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: AU2024278885

Country of ref document: AU

Ref document number: 827520

Country of ref document: NZ

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 827520

Country of ref document: NZ

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2024278885

Country of ref document: AU

Date of ref document: 20240531

Kind code of ref document: A