Cryopreservation unit

Cryoplus III cryopreservation unit, Model 8153, for the storaged cells using liquid nitrogen, supplied by Life Sciences International, and made by Forma Scientific Inc., Marietta, Ohio, United States, American, 1993, and cardboard box labelled 'from E.C.A.C.C.', 'CAMR Porton Down', 'transfer ampoules to gas phase nitrogen (not liquid phase)' and 'Please Rush Dry Ice Equipment', containing polystyrene insulation, unsigned, British, 1990-1994. As used at the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures, Porton Down, Wiltshire, England.

Inside this tank 25,000 tiny tubes are available as storage space for cells used in scientific research. Cells are frozen using liquid nitrogen. This puts them in a state of suspended animation where most of the vital functions have shut down but the cell is still alive. Cryopreservation units like this one are used at the European Collection of Cell Cultures at Porton Down, Wiltshire, England. The collection is used to provide the scientific community with material for research, sending samples out by post or courier. It is also a reference collection of 45 different species and at least 800 genetic disorders.