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Updated: Jul 1, 2026
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An Open-Source Normothermic Perfusion System Designed for Research Scientists
Published on: July 18, 2025
A Programmable Perfusion Platform with Temperature Monitoring Achieves Multiscale Cryopreservation
Linshan Wang1, Yuying Wang1, Shiwen Wang1
1School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|June 30, 2026
Summary
A new programmable platform standardizes cryopreservation by controlling cryoprotective agent (CPA) perfusion and temperature, improving cell and tissue survival rates after thawing.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cryobiology
- Bioengineering
Background:
- Manual addition/removal of cryoprotective agents (CPAs) is standard but lacks control over critical variables like CPA formulation, addition rate, and temperature.
- Existing methods struggle to standardize cryopreservation across diverse biological sample scales, from single cells to tissues.
- Osmotic and cytotoxic damage from CPAs significantly impacts post-thaw recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a portable, programmable platform for standardized cryopreservation of multiscale biological samples.
- To precisely control CPA concentration gradients and processing temperature to minimize cryoinjury.
- To enhance post-thaw viability and structural integrity of cryopreserved cells and tissues.
Main Methods:
- Developed a portable and programmable CPA perfusion platform integrating cell encapsulation with nylon mesh trapping.
- Enabled handling of samples from cell suspensions (NK-92 cells) to single cells (mouse oocytes) and tissues (skin).
- Implemented program-controlled linear-gradient CPA perfusion and processing at 4°C to regulate solution and temperature environments.
Main Results:
- Significantly improved post-thaw recovery rates: mouse oocyte survival increased from 65.6% to 77.4%, and NK-92 cell survival from 69.7% to 83.2%.
- Histological analysis showed superior structural integrity and reduced cryoinjury in skin tissues processed with the platform.
- Demonstrated effective CPA perfusion and temperature control, minimizing osmotic and cytotoxic damage.
Conclusions:
- The developed platform offers a standardized, efficient, and cost-effective solution for cryopreservation of multiscale biological samples.
- Precise control over CPA perfusion and temperature is crucial for improving cryopreservation outcomes.
- This technology has broad implications for biobanking, regenerative medicine, and research involving cryopreserved biological materials.
