Cryopreservation is the process of preserving biological material at an extremely low temperature, currently revolutionizing the medical and biomedical research fields. Nitrogen in its liquid form plays a critical role in maintaining the viability of cells, tissues and organs. This application of nitrogen has opened up new pathways in medical science, providing researchers with the potential to store and utilize biological materials for a wide range of therapeutic and research purposes. At nexAir, we are proud to provide the medical industry with consistent supplies of the gases that they need to Forge Forward in every task they take on. By doing so, our team has picked up quite a bit of KnowHow along the way. Let’s take a closer look at the role of nitrogen in cryopreservation. 

 

Preserving Biological Materials

Cryopreservation with nitrogen involves placing biological materials in temperatures below -130 degrees celsius, typically achieved by immersing the specimens in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of approximately -196 degrees celsius. This extremely low temperature halts biological activity, preserving the integrity and viability of the biological material for extended periods of time. The use of nitrogen in cryopreservation has allowed for the proper storage of many biological entities, including eggs, sperm, embryos, stem cells, tissues and organs, with the goal of retaining their functional and structural properties for future use. 

 

Advancing Organ Transplantation 

The role of nitrogen in cryopreservation has the potential to revolutionize organ transplantation. With the shortage of viable organs for transplantation being a major global issue, this practice offers a promising solution. By using nitrogen to preserve organs, like livers and kidneys, it becomes possible to create organ banks, extending the window of time for matching donors with recipients and mitigating the limitations given by organ availability and transportation logistics. This could significantly increase the pool of organs available for transplantation, saving lives and improving outcomes. 

 

Supporting Biomedical Research

The use of nitrogen in cryopreservation has been huge in advancing biomedical research. By preserving biological samples, tissues and cell lines at these extremely low temperatures, researchers can put together comprehensive biobanks for studying disease, developing new therapies and conducting investigations. This has significantly accelerated the pace of medical research, allowing scientists and researchers access to a wide variety of preserved biological materials for thorough studies and experimentation, further driving innovation and discovery in healthcare and sciences. 

 

Forge Forward with nexAir Gases

As nitrogen continues to play an important role in revolutionizing the healthcare industry, allow nexAir to be the provider of the gas that is making a difference. Leveraging our KnowHow of the healthcare industry and its unique needs has helped our customers Forge Forward in their careers saving lives. At nexAir, we continue to help our healthcare customers achieve their critical tasks – improving and saving the lives in their communities.