Most cell cultures can be stored for many years, if not indefinitely, using cryopreservation. Most cryopreservation techniques storing cells at temperatures below -130°C. At these temperatures, all metabolic activity has been arrested. The very low temperatures structurally preserve living cells and tissues that could be damaged when using regular freezing methods. This technique has allowed ATCC to recover cells from cultures that were cryopreserved for more than 40 years.

Cryopreservation is an important step in your cell culture workflow. Achieving satisfactory levels of cell viability and recovery after thawing often requires trial and error. By using the proper cryoprotectants and techniques to support cells and prevent ice crystals from forming, which would puncture membranes, you experience maximum viability of cells in cell culture.

ATCC media will ensure robust cell growth, especially when reviving cells from cryopreservation. We offer tools and a line of serum-free cryopreservation media to successfully cryopreserve cell cultures, including:

• Serum-Free Cell Freezing Medium - This proprietary, sterile formulation contains 10% DMSO and methylcellulose is ready-to-use and suitable for the cryopreservation of adherent and suspension cell cultures.
• Glycerol
• Cell culture grade DMSO
• CoolCell® - A reliable and consistent cryo-container