초록 ▼

This invention relates to methods, apparatus and solutions for cryopreserving microscopic biological materials for biologically extended periods of time. The method comprises treating a suspension of biological material, in an appropriate buffer, with a cryoprotectant or combination of cryoprotectan

This invention relates to methods, apparatus and solutions for cryopreserving microscopic biological materials for biologically extended periods of time. The method comprises treating a suspension of biological material, in an appropriate buffer, with a cryoprotectant or combination of cryoprotectants which raises the glass transition temperature range of the sample. One or more dry protectants may be added to the cryosolution. The cryosolution is then nebulized and rapidly cooled with novel apparatus, dried by molecular distillation, stored and then rehydrated in a buffer prior to its use. The solutions comprise novel mixtures of cryoprotectants.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for rapid cryofixation of suspensions of microscopic biological materials comprising:(a) a nebulizer for creating microdroplets of a suspension of a microscopic biological material in a laminar flow of gas, said gas propelling said microdroplets away from the

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for rapid cryofixation of suspensions of microscopic biological materials comprising:(a) a nebulizer for creating microdroplets of a suspension of a microscopic biological material in a laminar flow of gas, said gas propelling said microdroplets away from the nebulizer, said microdroplets having diameters of about 25 .mu.m to about 250 .mu.m;(b) an internally cooled cryogenic surface for cooling the microdroplets at an approximate cooling rate of 50,000.degree. to 100,000.degree. C./sec. said internally cooled cryogenic surface being functionally located in said laminar flow of gas so that said microdroplets contact and are cooled by said internally cooled cryogenic surface;(c) an internally cooled collector for removing the cooled microdroplets from the cryogenic surface; and(d) a removable sample holder for receiving the cooled microdroplets.