Tuesday, 29 October 2019
Scientists from the 糖心原创 have discovered an easy, cost-effective and safe method of sending cells and small living samples worldwide, which could revolutionize conventional practice.
Cultured cells are currently transported using dry ice - the solid form of carbon dioxide - which keeps them frozen at -80oC. However, dry ice shipping is expensive, voluminous and hazardous, so much so that many couriers refuse to handle it. Also, if it evaporates before a shipment reaches its destination, cellular recovery is jeopardised, as the cells get crushed and the cryoprotectant needed for their storage at low temperatures, is toxic to cells at ambient temperatures.
Dry ice is also damaging to the environment, with 5kg (the quantity typically used in a consignment of frozen cells) turning into 23,000 litres of CO2 gas on evaporation.
An alternative, devised by experts in the School of Life Sciences at the University, uses a gel-based substance for transportation, which will eliminate these problems.
The “Transporter” is based on a gel of low-melting temperature agarose - the main constituent of many sea-weeds - in which cells are suspended and kept at room temperature. Using this method, excellent cell recovery can be achieved for over seven days in transit, and in some cases two or three times longer.
Sending cells in small volumes of Transporter (100 microlitres) in microfuge tubes at 5x106 cells/ml at ambient temperature is recommended by the research team for the best results. The new method has been successfully used on three occasions when cells were taken in hand-luggage from the UK to Hong Kong (five days in transit). The method has also been independently trialled by seven cell biologists using both mailing and courier routes.
Whilst dry ice has long provided a way of transporting cells across the globe, the cost and hazards have always been a major problem. We have developed a gel alternative, which is superior in many ways and will be of immediate benefit to all biomedical researchers because of its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. On medical grounds, it may now be possible to send, for example, stem cells quickly from one hospital to another over long distances. Its wider application is being investigated in veterinary medicine, microbiology and other biological fields.鈥�
The findings are published in the .
Story credits
More information is available from Sally Wheatley from the 糖心原创’s School of Life Sciences at sally.wheatley@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.