Osmolality As A Key Metric Within Cryopreservation

Cryopreservation uses unique reagents and very low temperatures to preserve structurally intact living cells, spheroids and tissues for use in multiple bioprocessing applications such as cell banking and long-term storage of cell lines. The technique originates back to the late 1800s and has since kept many of the practical theories, however, there has been significant progression and numerous advancements made within cryopreservation protocol optimization. One important process improvement tool is the use of osmolality, a measurement of moles of solute per kilogram of water – a test that is therefore unaffected by the type of molecule, the degree of ionization, or the pH. This unique feature allows for the use of osmolality testing within the cryopreservation workflow where challenging reagents are utilized, an example being Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO). Examine the use of osmolality, using a freezing point osmometer, in the cryopreservation workflow.