Hi everyone! I’m looking for some honest feedback regarding large cold storage units, both -80C and liquid nitrogen. We’re looking to store a large quantity of sample tubes/plates. Ideally, we’re also looking for an automation-friendly option that we could integrate into a workcell in the future. Does anyone have experience with Hamilton, Askion, Liconic, Azenta, or others? I’m specifically interested in the reliability of the hardware/software, frosting/condensation issues, and user-friendliness. Your feedback on your experiences and honest reviews & recommendations are appreciated! Thank you!
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If you want -80C tube storage I’d look first at the SPT Labtech Arktic. It used to be the only -80C store that didn’t have any moving components in the -80C chamber. I haven’t followed automation in the -80C space because I haven’t really needed to. I’ve looked multiple times at automating -80C tube storage but no company actually ever pulled the trigger. When I was looking a few years ago the only one that really gave me a warm-fuzzy feeling was the Arktic.
I’ll also add that I want no part of automating LN2 storage. There are companies that do it, but I can’t speak to how robust the solutions are. Unless you need to retrieve 1000+ samples/day from LN2 storage I can’t see it making much sense to automate.
Has a workcell integrated plate lyophilizer been invented yet?
Imagining this as a more controlled / less oversight alternative to -80C integration…
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We’re looking to store a large number of samples of DNA & protein at -80C and cells at cryogenic temperatures. We’re thinking of storing samples in tubes/SBS racks. We’d probably process 100s of samples per day. To start with, both types of storage units would probably be accessed in walk-up mode by scientists, but it would be interesting if any on the market could theoretically be integrated into a workcell via robots/rails.
Thanks for the recommendation, @jnecr! I didn’t know SPT Labtech had -80C units available. Regarding LN2, we’d like to automate sample retrieval and input so that the scientists don’t have to search through LN2 tanks.
Lyophilization is an interesting idea, @ben. Probably wouldn’t work for cell lines but could work for proteins/DNA? Additional testing and liquid handling steps would need to happen for reconstitution of said proteins/DNA, so this may not make sense for us
One of the nice things about the SPT offerings is that they can be purchased as standalone stores initially and later integrated very easily. They offer modules that send the tubes from the store to an automation friendly device, so you won’t even have to move the store to join it to your future work cell (within reason). For the comPOUND stores they regularly send tubes from one lab to another, I’m not sure I would do that for -80C tubes, but certainly 10s of feet away won’t be a problem at all.
Hi all, I would like to add a question: Are cold units available, which enable storing conditions under dry air or a protective gas like N2?
Yes, absolutely. Generally tube stores are all this way. You have an option of a dehumidifier that feeds already dry air or you can purge with gases, N2 being the most common, but I suppose richer companies could go with noble gases if they wanted, although I’ve never seen it.
Liconic has the same options for their plate storage units and I’m sure Cytomat does too.
See here for the Liconic STX-44 flyer. The second page includes all the options for the store, cool, hot, humid, dry, the store is your oyster.
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