Cryopreserving and cryogenically processing biological objects

摘要

PCT No. PCT/DE95/01490 Sec. 371 Date Aug. 29, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Aug. 29, 1997 PCT Filed Oct. 26, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO96/13159 PCT Pub. Date May 9, 1996For the fixated cryopreservation of single living biological objects or such objects compiled in a given number (for example cells) a cryogenically cooled substrate (13) is jetted therewith in a enveloping solution in microdroplet form (12) from a storage vessel, for example by means of a microdroplet jetting device (11). The substrate is temperature-controlled via a coolant (15), the surface to be jetted being located in a gas atmosphere or in vacuum (14). The substrate surface is maintained at a temperature T1 resulting in freezing of the impinging microdroplet, the substrate surface being possibly supportingly microstructured and comprising sensing elements. By controlled movement of either the substrate or the microdroplet jetting device the microdroplets can be applied singly and in patterns in arrays freely selectable or predetermined by the structuring of the substrate. The substrate with the applied microdroplets and the cells frozen therein are stored and/or processed by a processing means (17) ablating the material or applying said material at temperatures T2 of down to -273 DEG C. In the cryogenic condition manipulations such as removal by mechanical ablation or addition of solutions or substances to the surface of the substrate can be undertaken. During thawing the substrate surface is brought to a temperature T1 above the freezing point of the enveloping solution and the microdroplet array thawed in a predefined manner.