Procedure for the cold preservation of a biological sample and substrate, respectively medium for use thereby

摘要

Biological samples, especially mammalian cells, can be frozen, stored and thawed with increased percentage viability by freezing in an aqueous medium in the presence specifically of organic solids, desirably cholesterol, which cause nucleation at or near the freezing point of the medium thereby diminishing damage. The medium desirably also contains a cryoprotectant eg DMSO or glycerol.