Cryogenic equipment is not a single device. A functional cryogenic infrastructure consists of several components that must work together: freezing devices, storage tanks, monitoring systems, transport containers, and a range of consumables and accessories that are often underestimated in day-to-day operation.
This guide provides a complete overview — what exists, what it does, and what to look for when choosing.
The first step in any cryogenic sample preservation: controlled freezing. Uncontrolled snap-freezing (direct immersion in LN₂) damages cells through intracellular ice crystal formation. Controlled freezing with programmed cooling rates protects the cell membrane and preserves viability after thawing.
BIOFREEZE® SMARTLINE (Consarctic®): For GMP applications, ATMPs, pharmaceuticals. Audit trail, TC-Aktiv crystallization detection, LIMS connectivity.
BIOFREEZE® BASIC (Consarctic®): For research, IVF clinics, standard applications. Simpler operation, lower capital cost, the same fundamental controlled-freezing capability.
The core of any cryogenic infrastructure. The right choice depends on sample type, capacity requirements, and regulatory needs.
Consarctic® product range:
Without monitoring, cryogenic storage is neither regulatorily documentable nor operationally safe. The Consarctic® Monitoring-System oversees temperature, fill level, and system status for all connected units around the clock — with alarm notification via SMS, email, and app.
For validated cryogenic transport between locations. The Consarctic® ASR+ series is IATA-compliant, integrates a data logger, and maintains temperatures in the –196°C range for up to 14+ days.
No cryogenic system without LN₂ supply: pressure vessel (bulk tank), pipework, pressure regulators, level monitoring, automated refill systems. Consarctic® advises on and coordinates the complete supply infrastructure as part of turnkey projects.
The standard sample containers for cryogenic storage. Key criteria:
Sample cassettes enable structured storage and location tracking in the tank:
For ATMP products and stem cell transplants: cryobags in various volumes (100 mL to 2 liters), made of cryo-compatible material, sterile, with welded connections for a sealed closure.
DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is the most widely used cryoprotective agent — it prevents intracellular ice crystal formation. At controlled concentrations (typically 5–10%), cell damage is not significant; higher concentrations are toxic.
Basic setup: programmable freezing device (BIOFREEZE® BASIC or SMARTLINE depending on regulatory requirements), cryogenic tank(s) matched to sample count and type, monitoring system with alarm, protective equipment, cryovials, and cassettes. For transport: ASR+ dry shipper. Consarctic® prepares an equipment list with specifications based on a requirements assessment.
Material quality (cold-resistant PP), cap type (external thread preferred for vapor-phase storage), sterility certification for GMP applications, and color coding for easy sample identification. For GMP: certified sterile, DNase/RNase-free, batch certificate.
When biological products or starting materials for pharmaceutical production or ATMPs are processed: yes. IQ/OQ/PQ qualification is then mandatory. For research laboratories without GMP obligation, qualification is optional but good practice. Consarctic® performs IQ and OQ for all its devices.
Typically: annual preventive maintenance and calibration of temperature sensors, semi-annual functional testing of alarm systems. Consarctic® offers maintenance contracts with fixed service intervals and 24/7 emergency availability.
Buying individual devices is straightforward. A cryogenic infrastructure where all components fit together, are correctly calibrated, and fully documented — that is the real challenge.
Consarctic GmbH supplies the full infrastructure: equipment, consumables, monitoring, transport, qualification, and service. From a single source, across 30+ countries.