Current State and Challenges of Tissue and Organ Cryopreservation in Biobanking

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed significant advancements in the cryopreservation of various tissues and cells, yet several challenges persist. This review evaluates the current state of cryopreservation, focusing on contemporary methods, notable achievements, and ongoing difficulties. Techniques such as slow freezing and vitrification have enabled the successful preservation of diverse biological materials, including embryos and ovarian tissue, marking substantial progress in reproductive medicine and regenerative therapies. These achievements highlight improved post-thaw survival and functionality of cryopreserved samples. However, there are remaining challenges such as ice crystal formation, which can lead to cell damage, and the cryopreservation of larger, more complex tissues and organs. This review also explores the role of cryoprotectants and the importance of optimizing both cooling and warming rates to enhance preservation outcomes. Future research priorities include developing new cryoprotective agents, elucidating the mechanisms of cryoinjury, and refining protocols for preserving complex tissues and organs. This comprehensive overview underscores the transformative potential of cryopreservation in biomedicine, while emphasizing the necessity for ongoing innovation to address existing challenges.

Keywords: biobanking; biological tissues; cryopreservation; freeze–thaw; organs; vitrification.

Figure 1

The tissues and organs that have been researched for successful cryopreservation [20]. The green captions denote the tissues that are routinely used in clinical practice and available in biobanks. The red ones represent tissues and organs that are currently only under research but have shown successful results.

Figure 2

The main steps of the tissue and organ biobanking process.