Virtual global biorepository: access for all to speed-up result-oriented research

摘要

Biorepositories have been established and used for the collection, storage, and distribution of biological materials for research and improving health. The terms "biobank" and "biorepository" are often used interchangeably, and they have been employed for more than a century to maintain and reallocate the biospecimens. The biorepository begins with the aim of data collection and the expected future use of human biological materials/specimens. Biorepository on cancer, diabetes, infectious disease, neurological disorders, syndromes are established but they are located in the developed world. To make it a universally accessible virtual global repository is required. A virtual biobank is an electronic database of biological specimens and other related information that exists effectively, independent of where the actual specimens are stored. Virtual biorepositories could be consortia of national or international repositories, that can provide source material and data to researchers in any part of the world which is urgently needed and highly meaningful for result-oriented research in global health care.