Cryobank

Responsible person: Assoc. Prof. Jiří Šána, Ph.D., M.Sc.

The cryobank at Masaryk University's Preclinical Centre is a new specialized infrastructure designed for the safe, automated, and long-term storage of biological samples. Its main goal is to support preclinical and biomedical research not only within Masaryk University, but also in cooperation with external partners from the Czech Republic and abroad.

Technological background

The technical core of the cryobank consists of four fully automated cryorobotic units of the latest generation from ASKION – two HS200S systems and two HS200M systems. These units enable highly standardized and safe handling of samples in a deep-freeze environment without subjecting them to thermal stress. The long-term cryopreservation itself will take place in liquid nitrogen vapors at stable temperatures of around -150 to -180 °C, ensuring reliable protection of the quality and integrity of the stored material.

Cryobank capacity:

80,000 LVL Safe 48 XT – XLX 2000 cryotubes (2 ml)
167,000 LVL Safe 96 XT – LX 1000 cryotubes (1 ml)

Automated systems ensure continuous monitoring, full sample tracking, and high storage security.

Goals and benefits

The goal of the cryobank is to provide stable, secure, and modern facilities for long-term sample storage that meet the highest standards of contemporary biomedicine. The cryobank will become a key element of the infrastructure of the MU Preclinical Center and will significantly support the development of research in biology, medicine, and related fields.What services/products will the unit provide?

The cryobank provides a service for the long-term storage of samples in liquid nitrogen vapors. A wide range of biological materials can be cryopreserved, such as: human tissues and body fluids, tissues and fluids from laboratory animals, normal and genetically modified cell lines, engineered 3D organoids, germ cells, embryos, isolated nucleic acids, and more.

Cryobank operating modes

The cryobank will operate in two complementary modes that correspond to the different needs of users and the wider scientific community.

"Storage" mode

This mode is intended for long-term storage of samples within the framework of users' own research projects.

Users decide on the handling of their samples and their possible further use.
Storage is based on the demand of individual research teams.
Users contribute directly to the costs associated with operation and archiving.

Storage mode is a safe and reliable solution for groups that need to store large quantities of samples in a controlled environment for long periods of time.

2. "Biobank" mode

The biobank will be used for the long-term collection of clinical samples beyond the scope of specific research projects. Its goal is to create a high-quality and extensive database and material base for future scientific studies.

Samples are collected with a view to their potential use in medical and biomedical research.
The biobank will be an open platform for the wider scientific community.
It supports cooperation with national and international institutions and the sharing of knowledge and resources.

This mode expands the possibilities for interdisciplinary cooperation and creates space for the emergence of new projects based on unique biological materials.

The Biobank of Clinical Samples of the Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University and Brno University Hospital (ClinBank) is a joint facility of both institutions focused on the long-term storage of clinical samples, their biological derivatives, and related data. The samples are obtained from patients treated at Brno University Hospital and serve as a unique resource for biomedical research and innovation.

Purpose and mission

ClinBank supports public health research, the study of human diseases, and the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Through high-quality sample storage and carefully structured data, it contributes to the development of medical and scientific innovations.

Main objectives

Support for biomedical research – providing high-quality biological samples and data to academic institutions, hospitals, and biotechnology entities.

Standardization of procedures – uniform procedures for the collection, processing, and storage of samples in accordance with European and Czech standards.
High-quality data – creation of a modern platform for sharing biological and health data while protecting personal data.
National and international cooperation – strengthening scientific cooperation through the sharing of samples and data.

Operations, standards, and legislation

ClinBank aims to meet the standards defined by ČSN EN ISO 20387 – Biobanks as soon as possible, while also complying with BBMRI-ERIC recommendations and all requirements of Czech legislation. Emphasis is placed on:

high-quality sample storage,
ethical principles for working with human material,
personal data protection in accordance with GDPR.

Cooperation

ClinBank aims to develop cooperation with national and international academic, research, and healthcare institutions and gradually integrate into the European biobank infrastructure BBMRI-ERIC.

What services/products will the unit provide?

The cryobank provides a service for the long-term storage of samples in liquid nitrogen (LIN). A wide range of biological materials can be cryopreserved, such as: human tissues and body fluids, tissues and fluids from laboratory animals, normal and genetically modified cell lines, engineered 3D organoids, germ cells, embryos, isolated nucleic acids, and more.

(Specific details must be consulted in advance with Assoc. Prof. Šána; email: jiri.sana@med.muni.cz)