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Cryogenic freezers provide refrigeration solutions for life science research and clinical applications that require freezing at extremely low temperatures.
Unlike ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers and traditional lab freezers, cryogenic freezers can maintain temperatures within the cryogenic temperature range, ranging between -150°C to absolute zero. This freezing method is referred to as cryopreservation. It applies to various fields that include cryosurgery, food sciences, ecology, plant physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and cryopreservation of cells, cell cultures and organs.
Many medical applications require samples to be frozen at cryogenic temperatures, such as blood transfusions, bone marrow transplantation, artificial insemination, and in vitro fertilization.
Healthcare providers have greatly benefitted from the use of cryogenic freezers.High-performance units utilize freezing and uniform temperatures for long-term storage, offering conditions ideal for preserving valuable biological material indefinitely. These metrics preserve, rather than fatally freeze, by preventing ice crystal formation, osmotic shock, and membrane damage. This allows the sample to return to the same viable state it was in before being frozen.
However, in the case of more sensitive mammalian cells, it is sometimes necessary to use specialized media or freezing reagents that can be applied to reduce freezing damage. These reagents include various cryoprotectants, such as glycerol or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).Improvements in cryogenics have resulted in better survival and high-quality functionality of human tissue and cell samples, permitting their successful use in future clinical applications.
Purchasing a cryogenic freezer can be difficult, as these units are often quite expensive. However, many laboratories—small startups, growing middle market, and large enterprise companies—have started relying on leasing as a viable alternative to purchasing. This is due to Excedr’s ability to absorb the upfront costs for you and spread them out over low, manageable, recurring payments. Read on to learn more about these freezers and the benefits of cryopreservation.
Cryogenic freezers are relatively similar across makes and models, but can vary based on your preferred method of freezing, size of sample storage, and desired application.
To freeze samples, freezers generally employ liquid nitrogen (LN2) and other cryogenic liquids like liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) in the gas and vapor phase. However, mechanical compressors offer an economical alternative to the more costly freezing agents. Depending on your needs and field of work, you have some options.
Furthermore, cryogenic freezer design considers temperature uniformity, ergonomics, space requirements, and maneuverability, which means you should too. Consider the freezer’s configuration. Is an upright freezer optimal for your laboratory space? How about an under-counter model? Also, check whether the unit has casters for easy maneuvering and is configured to provide superior ergonomics and easy access.
Cryogenic freezers that employ gas and vapor-phase liquid nitrogen or other various cryogenic liquids to keep the unit at a low cryogenic temperature are designed explicitly for the long-term storage of precious samples in a cryogenic state. They can preserve the cell structure as a viable product upon thawing. Most models offer an optimal combination of liquid nitrogen consumption and storage stability.
The unit can be used in a liquid phase, gas phase, or dry phase and has a wide range of specifications:
For organization, freezers come equipped with external or internal racks and different options of neck size, from narrow to wide, to accommodate easy access. You can also organize your vials using fiberboard boxes with dividers made available by numerous manufacturers, such as Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Alternatively, you may consider acquiring a liquid nitrogen dewar. Dewars are used for liquid nitrogen storage and can safely distribute the freezing agent in small amounts throughout the unit. This is because their superior vacuum performance, insulation, and low LN2 consumption allow for optimal thermal efficiency and maximum holding times even under rugged conditions. These containers are an excellent option for short-term storage or transportation.
These cryo freezers work without liquid nitrogen. Instead, they rely on a mechanical cooling system that often includes dual compressors, one acting as a fail-safe if the other happens to shut off.
Often referred to as chest freezers, these models offer a similar range of specifications to the LN2 freezers while being an economical alternative to costly coolants such as LN2.
These models can’t reach as low temperatures as the Liquid Nitrogen freezers. However, they do reach temperatures of -150°C and provide a viable solution to long-term freezing applications.
Although cryogenics applies to different fields of science, medicine, transportation, and food distribution, the introduction of cryogenics into freezing has opened up doors to the world of long-term preservation and cryopreservation.
Without reaching temperatures below -150°C using coolants like liquid nitrogen, cells and tissues could not be kept usable.
It’s important to note that the freezer, regardless of how it is designed, should be defrosted at least once a year, or whenever ice buildup exceeds 1/4′”.
To defrost the freezer, you must first remove all the items and place them within another freezer. Then, turn the unit off, open the door or lid, and remove any sub-lids and racks. Let stand for 24 hours, allowing the ice to melt.
Afterward, you can wipe away any water standing in the bottom of the cabinet and clean the freezer if necessary. Lastly, reinstall any sub-lids, close the lid or door, and restart the freezer. Once it’s back to the desired temperature, you can replace the items.
Our lease agreements are founder-friendly and flexible, helping you preserve working capital, strengthen the cash flow of your business, and keep business credit lines open for expansions, staffing, and other crucial operational expenses and business development opportunities.
Leases range from 2 to 5 years. Length will depend on several factors, including how long you want to use the equipment, equipment type, and your company’s financial position. These are standard factors leasing companies consider and help us tailor a lease agreement to fit your needs.
We don’t carry an inventory. This means you’re not limited to a specific set of manufacturers. Instead, you can pick the equipment that aligns with your business goals and preferences. We’ll work with the manufacturer of your choice to get the equipment in your facility as quickly as possible.
Bundle preventive maintenance and repair coverage with your lease agreement. You can spread those payments over time. Easily maintain your equipment, minimize the chances something will break down, repair instrumentation quickly, and simplify your payment processes.
At the end of your lease, you have multiple options. You can either renew the lease at a significantly lower price, purchase the machine outright based on the fair market value of the original pricing, or call it a day and we’ll come the pick up the equipment for you free of charge.
Our leases do not include loan-like terms, which can be restrictive or harmful in certain situations. We do not require debt covenants, IP pledges, collateral, or equity participation. Our goal is to maximize your flexibility. When you lease with us, you’re collaborating with a true business partner.
Our underwriting is done in-house. You can expect quicker turnaround, allowing you respond to your equipment needs as they arise. We require less documentation than traditional lenders and financiers and can get the equipment you need in operation more quickly.
