Process and device for temperature and pressure controlled cryopreservation

Abstract

The disclosure provides processes for temperature and pressure controlled cryopreservation of samples by using isochoric systems.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A process for identifying whether a cryoprotectant or a solution thereof prevents ice crystal formation in a sample for vitrification and/or devitrification cryopreservation process, comprising:
 placing the sample comprising the cryoprotectant or a solution thereof in an isochoric system;   measuring pressure of the isochoric system while reducing the temperature of the isochoric system to a subfreezing temperature; and/or   measuring pressure of the isochoric system while warming the isochoric system from the subfreezing temperature,   wherein a change of pressure during the cooling or warming of the isochoric system indicates that the cryoprotectant or solution thereof fails to prevent ice formation in the sample, and   wherein if there is no change of pressure in the isochoric system during cooling or heating of the isochoric system indicates that the cryoprotectant or solution has prevented ice crystal formation and is suitable for use with samples in vitrification and/or devitrification cryopreservation process.   
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the subfreezing temperature is −20° C. or lower. 
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 2 , wherein the subfreezing temperature is −80° C. or lower. 
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 3 , wherein the subfreezing temperature is −135° C. or lower. 
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 4 , wherein the subfreezing temperature is from −135° C. to −210° C. 
     
     
         6 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature is reduced or warmed by about 1° C. to about 10° C. per minute.