Biological Sample Storage
Biological Sample Storage - Related Videos
09:02
SEM Imaging of Biological Samples
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2023
Source: Peiman Shahbeigi-Roodposhti and Sina Shahbazmohamadi, Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is an instrument that uses an electron beam to nondestructively image and characterize conductive materials in a vacuum. As an analogy, an electron beam is to the SEM as light is to the optical microscope. The difference is that the electron microscope yields images of much higher resolution and magnification. The...
05:47
Do-It-Yourself Device for Recovery of Cryopreserved Samples Accidentally Dropped into Cryogenic Storage Tanks
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Cited by 5 •
2012
Here we present a low cost, durable cryotolerant device for sample retrieval from Dewar tanks filled with liquid nitrogen. The ease of construction and modular design of the device makes the process of sample retrieval from cryogenic tanks safe and easy.
01:10
X-ray Diffraction of Biological Samples
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2023
X-ray diffraction or XRD is an analytical tool that utilizes X-rays to study ordered structures such as crystalline organic and inorganic samples, polycrystalline materials, proteins, carbohydrates, and drugs. According to Bragg's law, when X-rays strike the sample positioned on a stage, the rays are scattered by the electron clouds around the sample atoms. The X-ray diffraction or scattering is caused by constructive interference of the X-ray waves that reflect off the internal crystal...
10:48
Imaging Biological Samples with Optical and Confocal Microscopy
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2023
Source: Peiman Shahbeigi-Roodposhti and Sina Shahbazmohamadi, Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut Optical microscopes have been around for centuries, and while they reached their theoretical limitation of resolution decades ago, new equipment and techniques, such as confocal and digital image processing, have created new niches within the field of optical imaging. The best optical microscopes will typically have a resolution down to 200 nm in ideal...
08:04
Preparation and Observation of Thick Biological Samples by Scanning Transmission Electron Tomography
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Cited by 9 •
2017
This report describes a sample preparation protocol and specific imaging conditions for performing scanning transmission electron tomography of thick biological specimens.
FAQs
Refrigeration and freezing slow the chemical and biological processes that can alter a specimen. In particular, lower temperatures reduce enzymatic reactions and microbial growth, helping preserve the sample’s biological and analytical properties between collection and later testing. This matters when stored material must support reproducible experiments, molecular analysis, diagnostics, or future research.
Cryogenic storage is used when samples must remain suitable for extended periods. Its effectiveness depends not only on the low-temperature environment but also on appropriate containers, clear labeling, and ongoing temperature monitoring. Together, these controls help maintain specimen identity and storage conditions, allowing valuable biological material to remain available for later analysis.
Because biological samples differ in what must be preserved, storage decisions should account for whether the material is a cell, tissue, fluid, nucleic acid, or another specimen. The objective is to limit degradation without losing properties needed for later analysis. This selection step connects preservation conditions to the intended biological or analytical use.
A reliable workflow begins with standardized handling at collection and continues through placement in the chosen storage environment. Samples should receive clear labels, while storage conditions are documented and temperatures monitored. Maintaining these records supports traceability, links each specimen to its history, and reduces changes introduced between collection and testing.
Appropriate containers, labels, and temperature-monitoring practices are central controls, regardless of whether storage uses refrigeration, freezing, or cryogenic conditions. Containers support preservation within the selected environment, labeling helps maintain specimen identity, and monitoring documents storage conditions. Standardization across these elements strengthens consistency when samples are retrieved for biological or analytical work.
Biological Sample Storage supports biobanking, diagnostics, molecular analysis, and reproducible experiments. It also allows valuable specimens to support future research rather than limiting them to immediate testing. By reducing changes between collection and analysis and preserving traceability through documented conditions, careful storage helps maintain reproducibility when material is reused or compared later.