Innovative Gel-Like Medium Revolutionises Long-Distance Cell Transportation
In vitro mammalian cells such as Caco-2 or MDCKII, crucial for preclinical research and drug discovery, are highly challenging to preserve in long-distance transportation across continents. Conventional methods using low-temperature storage techniques, involving cryovials on dry ice or liquid nitrogen are not only hazardous but also come with high shipping costs and complex recovery techniques.
Researchers have long sought alternatives, and now, ReadyCell presents an ingenious solution – a gel-like cell culture medium that transforms the landscape of cell transport and preservation.
Globalisation of R&D Involving Long-distance Cell Transportation
The globalisation trend has led to the transportation of these cells across continents, often involving long-distance shipments. Typically, cells are shipped using low-temperature storage methods, such as cryovials on dry ice or in a liquid nitrogen vapor shipping vessel, covering extensive distances between locations. However, the use of dry ice and liquid nitrogen, along with high shipping costs, significantly restricts routine transport. Moreover, the intricate nature of frozen-cell recovery methods can be complex and time-consuming.
Researchers have explored alternative long-distance transport approaches, such as using flasks filled with complete growth medium at ambient temperature. Nevertheless, cell viability is compromised for shipments exceeding 24 hours, limiting this method to local deliveries.
Safe and Efficient Gel-like Medium for Transportation of Cells under Ambient Temperatures
Addressing the need for efficient long-term shipment conditions, ReadyCell researchers have developed a gel-like cell culture medium, enabling the transport of in vitro cells under ambient conditions and standard shipping procedures. This not only reduces shipping costs but also simplifies logistic processes.
ReadyCell’s Shipping Medium® is a semi-solid culture system specifically designed to preserve cells at room temperature (15-25ºC). The medium maintains an optimal physicochemical environment, ensuring suitable moisture conditions for cellular homeostasis. It forms a protective cushion safeguarding cell integrity and functionality during extended shipments, lasting up to seven days. The medium easily liquefies at 37ºC before initiating assays, allowing the use of cells as if freshly isolated.
The effectiveness of ReadyCell’s Shipping Medium® in preserving cell function during transit was assessed through experiments. Various metrics, including TEER (Trans-epithelial Electrical Resistance), Papp LY, and Paracellular Flux LY measurements, were employed to compare cell function pre and post-shipping medium application.
TEER measurements, crucial for assessing the barrier properties of epithelial cell monolayers, showed that the TEER values of cells shipped in ReadyCell’s Shipping Medium® were comparable to those recorded before shipping. This indicates that the shipping medium maintained the functional integrity of epithelial cell barriers throughout handling, ensuring that the cells remained suitable for further experimentation upon arrival.
Likewise, LY measurements were utilized to assess the integrity of cell membranes. The findings revealed that cells transported with ReadyCell’s Shipping Medium® demonstrated comparable LY values to those observed before shipping. This observation implies that the medium effectively shielded the cells from substantial membrane damage during transit, thereby maintaining their structural integrity.
This innovative patented method enables researchers to exchange cells globally under optimal conditions with minimal time, thereby enhancing the efficiency of scientific research. For more information regarding ReadyCell’s Shipping Medium®, please complete the Quick Contact form or email: reagents@readycell.com
