Cryo Box

Cryo boxes are special laboratory containers that are used to store biological samples and other materials that require very low temperatures. Cryo boxes can be tightly closed to prevent air and moisture from entering, which could damage or contaminate the sample. Cryo boxes are also available in an open-top variant, allowing samples to be organised clearly in low-temperature fridges or laboratory freezers.

Application of cryo boxes

Cryo boxes are widely used in laboratories to store biological, medical samples or diagnostic materials. Cryo boxes organise materials such as cells, tissues, viruses, bacteria, enzymes, blood or sera placed in cryotubes. Thanks to cryo boxes, samples can be stored at very low temperatures, in an orderly manner that allows easy identification. The low temperature prevents degradation of the material and maintains its structural and functional integrity, while the arrangement of the material in cryo boxes enables error-free identification. Cryo boxes are an indispensable item in biological or medical laboratories, where storing and transporting samples at low temperatures is key to maintaining cell or tissue quality.

Cryo boxes are also used in cryobiology, a field of biology that studies the effects of low temperature on living organisms and their components. Cryobiology uses cryo boxes to store and transport tissues and organs at a low temperature, thus extending their lifespan.

Biological samples that are stored in cryo boxes include, for example, cells, bacteria, viruses, tissue fragments, as well as blood, serum, or nucleic acids and proteins. Because of the specific environment they create, cryo boxes are essential in many scientific fields, such as biology, biotechnology, medicine or genetics, where the storage of samples at low temperatures is crucial to preserve them intact.

In laboratories, cryo boxes are stored in special cryogenic freezers that maintain very low temperatures and ensure safe storage of biological samples for a long time. Cryo boxes are also used for test tubes to create testing material libraries.

Types of cryo boxes

Cryo boxes have different capacities, ranging from a few millilitres to several tens of millilitres, allowing samples of different volumes to be stored. Cryo boxes can also be of different sizes, depending on the number of cryotubes with important research material we want to place in them. Cryo boxes can be made of plastic, glass or metal, or even specially laminated paper to ensure resistance to low temperatures and protect stored samples from damage. Cryo boxes can also be fitted with special thermal insulation to keep the temperature inside low. The interiors of the cryo boxes can be equipped with special cooling cartridges that allow handling cells, tissues, and biological material under laboratory conditions. This provides the appropriate environment required to preserve the functionality of the samples and allows the scientists performing experiments to carry out their work in accordance with the research procedure and objectives.

Maintenance of plastic cryo boxes

Cleaning laboratory cryo boxes is an important aspect of keeping samples clean and contamination-free. Here are some steps to follow when cleaning cryo boxes:

1. Removing the sample from the cryo box – remove all samples from the cryo box and transfer them to another container before cleaning.

2. Thawing – if cryo boxes have been stored at low temperature, they should be thawed before cleaning.

3. Cleaning the cryo box – in warm water with a mild detergent, such as washig-up liquid. Use a soft sponge or brush to remove dirt.

4. Thoroughly rinsing of the cryo box – after cleaning, rinse the cryo box thoroughly with water and dry it with a soft cloth.

5. Disinfection – to thoroughly disinfect the cryo box, place it in a disinfectant solution for about 30 minutes and then rinse carefully with water. If the cryo box is suitable, it can also be autoclaved.

6. Drying – after disinfecting and rinsing, the cryo box should be dried or a special cryo box drying device should be used.

After completing these steps, the cryo box should be ready for reuse. It is important to remember that cryo boxes should be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure safe and clean storage of samples.

Cryo boxes in the EPRO Science store

EPRO Science store offers a wide assortment of cryo boxes in various configurations. Whatever your laboratory needs, you will find something to suit you. Have a look at our range of cryo boxes. We will be happy to assist you in selecting the right product.