A Guide to Cryogenics and Cryopreservation
Cryogenics, the study and production of materials at extremely low temperatures (typically below -150 C or 123 K) is used in science and academia worldwide, while cryopreservation refers to the application of these temperatures to store living cells, tissues, and organisms by suspending metabolism.
What is cryogenics?
The word cryogenics typically refers to a branch of science and engineering that studies materials at extremely low temperatures. The term itself comes from Greek, meaning "production of frost", which accompanies the creation of ultra-low temperatures.
Typically achieved using liquefied gases like nitrogen or helium, cryogenics can be used to explore unique material properties, cool superconducting magnets, preserve biological materials, preserve quality in food processing and more.
What is cryopreservation?
Cryopreservation is the process of cooling biological materials to extremely low temperatures where their metabolic activity stops, thereby allowing their long-term preservation and storage.
This technique prevents decay, allowing for later revival of materials for medical treatments, fertility treatments such as IVF, and clinical research.
The backbone of cryopreservation is the reproductive medicine sector, freezing oocytes, sperm and embryos for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Other clinical applications include stem cell storage, blood - and ovarian tissue storage.
What is a cryogenic liquid?
A cryogenic liquid is a substance with a boiling point below -150 C (-238 F). These liquefied gases, including nitrogen and helium, are crucial for cooling and freezing applications and must be maintained at these extremely low temperatures to remain a liquid.
The primary hazards associated with inert cryogenic liquids are their extremely cold temperatures, which can lead to frostbite and replace oxygen through expansion in a gaseous form.
Cryogenics vs cryopreservation: Key differences
Although closely related, cryogenics and cryopreservation serve different roles.
- Cryogenics focuses on the physics and engineering of ultra‑low temperatures, including cryogenic liquids, cooling systems, and insulation technologies.
- Cryopreservation applies these cryogenic principles specifically to biological materials such as cells, tissues, and embryos.
Cryogenic freezing applications
Cryogenic freezing utilizes liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide to rapidly lower temperatures below -150 degrees Celsius, enabling rapid food preservation, medical cryopreservation, and industrial material treatment. It is used for preserving food quality, storing biological samples, improving manufacturing efficiency via shrinkage or grinding, and in specialized research.
How long can embryos be frozen?
Legally, embryos can technically be stored indefinitely, as there is no degradation in health over time. Successful births have occurred from embryos frozen for over 30 years.
Some regions have a maximum number of years (commonly 55, with consent having to be renewed every 10 years).
Clinics protect the embryos with cryoprotectants, which help to draw water out and prevents ice crystals forming, preventing any damage. Then they are frozen and stored in tanks of liquid nitrogen until the donor or receiver is ready.
What about cell cryopreservation?
Cell cryopreservation is the process of storing living cells at ultra‑low temperatures, typically in liquid nitrogen (−196 °C), to halt all biological activity. By using cryoprotectants such as DMSO to prevent ice crystal formation, cells can be preserved long-term and later revived with high viability. This technique is widely used in research, biobanking, and clinical applications, forming a key link between cryogenics and practical biological storage.
The role of liquid nitrogen generators
Liquid nitrogen (LN₂) generators provide an efficient, on-site solution for producing high-purity nitrogen for cryogenic and cryopreservation applications. By eliminating the need for regular LN₂ deliveries, these systems offer greater control, cost savings, and operational reliability, making them ideal for laboratories, biobanks, and clinical environments requiring consistent cryogenic storage conditions. LN₂ generators are commonly used to support cell cryopreservation, embryo storage, and other ultra‑low temperature processes.
Explore our LN2 generators
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The future of cryogenics & cryopreservation
Advancements in cryogenics and cryopreservation technologies continue to push boundaries. Innovations include automated cryogenic storage systems, improved vitrification methods, and research into whole-organ preservation. These developments are expected to transform fields such as regenerative medicine, organ transplantation, and personalized healthcare.
Emerging trends also include AI-driven sample tracking, sustainable cryogenic systems, and improved cryoprotectant formulations that minimize toxicity while maximizing preservation outcomes.