DEVICE AND METHODS FOR COOLING AND WARMING OF BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES

摘要

A device for controlled freezing and warming of a biological sample, and freezing and thawing protocols for which the device is well suited. The device establishes a laterally varying thermal gradient and provides a mechanism (40/42/44) for moving the sample along the thermal gradient at a controlled rate of speed. The sample is moved along the thermal gradient at a rate of speed that provides a variable cooling rate or a variable warming rate in accordance with the appropriate protocol. The device also allows continuous seeding of the sample through the freezing process at the exact freezing point of the solution. Real time monitoring and video imaging (60/62/64) of the freezing process enable fine tuning of the thermodynamic parameters for improved control.