Biopreservation and Biobanking最新文献

Latin America hosts extraordinary biological diversity but remains underrepresented in global biomedical research, underscoring the need for robust biobanking infrastructures. This work provides an updated snapshot of Chilean biobanks, based on a national survey exploring their current capacities and challenges. Nine active biobanks were identified across 5 of Chile's 16 regions, the majority concentrated in Santiago. Collectively, they store over 640,000 biospecimens from nearly 49,000 participants, predominantly oncological. While standardized protocols for sample management are broadly implemented by Chilean biobanks, data management practices are not yet well-developed, as only a few centers have adopted internationally recognized standards. Governance structures vary considerably and often lack formal written documentation. Financial sustainability relies mainly on institutional support, competitive grants, and modest cost recovery. Although Chilean biobanks contribute to research and training, measuring productivity remains challenging due to underreported acknowledgments and limited post-transfer traceability. Overall, our analysis suggests a bottom-up development of Chilean biobanks in the absence of dedicated legislation or strategic governmental policies. This overview shows that Chile's biobanks hold considerable potential for strengthening translational research and health equity, particularly if further support enables expansion into underrepresented regions. By integrating these infrastructures into higher education, clinical care, and broader regional collaborations, biobanks can help leverage Chilean genetic diversity and address health disparities. With greater governmental prioritization, a cohesive regulatory framework, and collaboration as a key strength, biobanks could enhance interaction with global networks and further strengthen Latin America's overall contribution to biomedical innovation.

In June 2021, Argentina's Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation launched PoblAr-the Program of Genomic Reference and Biobank of the Argentinian Population. This pioneering initiative aims to generate representative human genomic data and associated metadata for Argentina, a crucial step toward advancing genomic research and public health in the country. PoblAr addresses a significant knowledge gap in a country with a rich and dynamic history of population admixture, where unique genetic and environmental diversity shape health and disease patterns. As one of Latin America's first large-scale genomic initiatives, PoblAr aligns with similar efforts in Mexico and Brazil, reinforcing its regional and global relevance. The program's comprehensive sampling protocols integrate biological and nonbiological traits, enabling a multidimensional biobank designed to identify statistical risk factors across diverse conditions. A robust ethical framework underpins PoblAr, prioritizing donor safety, data confidentiality, and equitable community benefits through rigorous informed consent and governance tailored to its scale. PoblAr has established a secure data infrastructure using local informatics tools and enforcing strict anonymization protocols through multilevel access controls. Recent studies on local samples reveal that Argentina's ancestral composition is more complex and nuanced than previously reported. The program places a strong emphasis on community engagement through an exhaustive communication strategy that fosters collaboration with donors, the broader public, and local governments. By promoting data-driven precision health initiatives across Argentina, PoblAr aims to deliver significant societal benefits and encourage inclusivity.

The Neotropical region is currently facing a critical period of biodiversity loss, with deer species (family Cervidae) being particularly affected by severe habitat degradation, genetic bottlenecks, and population fragmentation. In this context, germplasm biobanks emerge as strategic tools for conservation efforts. This article presents a comprehensive review of the Deer Research and Conservation Center germplasm bank, the largest repository of genetic material for Neotropical deer worldwide. We detail the diversity of species represented, the types and quantities of cryopreserved samples, and the operational costs associated with maintaining the biobank. Additionally, we discuss the main advantages of germplasm banking, such as preserving genetic diversity without the logistical challenges of managing large captive populations, as well as critical challenges, particularly those arising from ongoing taxonomic uncertainties that complicate species identification and sample management. Scientific applications and conservation actions already enabled by this resource are presented, alongside a discussion of future perspectives, including potential expansions of sample types and integrative genomic analyses. This review underscores the essential role of germplasm biobanks in preserving the genetic legacy of Neotropical deer and supporting long-term biodiversity conservation strategies.

Latin America (Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America) is a megadiverse region. From Mexico and the Caribbean, through Central America to the Amazon and Andes, Latin America's botanical diversity contributes significantly to global food production and security, as it is the region of domestication for crops essential to human survival, including maize, potato, cassava, sweet potato, and beans. However, Latin America is also one of the most threatened regions with massive loss of native habitat where cultivars of these domesticated crops and their wild relatives, invaluable for new traits important for the adaptation to the abiotic and biotic challenges from climate change, currently exist. Many of these crops are vegetatively propagated, and their unique allelic makeup is crucial to conserve. Unfortunately, these unique genotypes cannot be conserved as seed and are at risk of vanishing forever due to the lack of secure conservation methods. The Global Plant Cryopreservation Initiative (GPCI) is addressing this challenge by providing a secure, long-term method for conserving plant diversity which cannot be conserved as botanical seed. The Latin America hub for the GPCI, at the International Potato Center (CIP) in Peru, is a model for how to mobilize and build capacity at the country level through national programs to conserve their genetic resources. Starting with a regional in-person workshop in 2022, CIP has maintained momentum for a plant cryopreservation network in Latin America by holding annual regional virtual cryopreservation meetings. CIP provided in-person capacity training for Latin American researchers in plant genetic resources conservation, with a special focus on cryopreservation. CIP has also implemented national plant cryopreservation programs in Ecuador and Chile, which include backing up their accessions in CIP's "cryo-vault." These activities provide the foundation for the future of a strong, lasting plant cryopreservation community of practice throughout Latin America.

Introduction: Biobanks and sample collections are critical resources for advancing biomedical research and public health. However, in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), challenges related to infrastructure, governance, and regulatory frameworks hinder the development of sustainable and collaborative biobanking networks. The adoption of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles is increasingly recognized as a key strategy to enhance the long-term sustainability and scientific impact of these networks. Objectives: This study explored the political, technical, ethical, and regulatory challenges of establishing a sustainable regional biobank network in LAC, with particular attention to the integration of FAIR principles. Methods: A qualitative-exploratory study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 14 representatives of biobanks and sample collections from seven LAC countries (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Puerto Rico). Thematic analysis was applied to identify key challenges and opportunities. Results: Participants' perceptions revealed significant barriers, such as insufficient infrastructure, lack of standardized biobank management systems, regulatory barriers, and limited inter-institutional collaboration. While the interview guide did not explicitly focus on the FAIR principles, many of the issues raised, such as the need for data standardization, interoperable systems, and improved data accessibility, were aligned with FAIR principles. Participants also emphasized the importance of international cooperation to expand technical expertise, ensure ethical oversight, and improve financial sustainability. Key ethical concerns included inconsistencies in informed consent practices, data privacy regulations, and community engagement in biobank-related decision-making. Conclusion: Addressing these barriers requires harmonized policies, investment in biobanking infrastructure, and long-term sustainability strategies. Strengthening capacity-building programs and integrating the FAIR principles can support the development of robust, collaborative biobank networks, enhancing equitable access to biospecimens and maximizing their value for biomedical research and public health in LAC.

The Brazilian Caatinga biome, a hotspot of unique biodiversity, faces escalating threats from habitat loss and climate change. Over the past two decades, significant progress has been made in developing reproductive biotechnologies to preserve the genetic diversity of native species through germplasm biobanking. This review synthesizes pioneering work by the Laboratory of Animal Germplasm Conservation, Federal University of the Semiarid Region, detailing standardized protocols for cryopreserving sperm, ovarian follicles, and gonadal tissues from key Caatinga species, including collared peccaries, agoutis, cavies, jaguars, and rheas. We critically evaluate the successes and limitations of the current biobanking initiatives, emphasizing species-specific challenges in gamete and tissue preservation. Furthermore, we address systemic barriers, such as fragmented public policies, logistical constraints, and the urgent need for scalable infrastructure, to expanding biobanking efforts across this understudied biome. Finally, we propose suggestions for integrating biobanks with assisted reproductive technologies and global conservation networks, highlighting their role as a genetic safeguard for endangered fauna.

The accelerating loss of biodiversity and genetic diversity poses an urgent threat to ecosystems and future generations. This concept article proposes a model centered on biobanks and advanced reproductive biotechnologies as strategic conservation tools, particularly within biodiversity hotspots such as Misiones, Argentina. We outline how institutions like biodiversity institutes, zoos, and biotech firms can collaborate to develop decentralized, scalable cryopreservation capacity. Emphasizing the IMiBio model, we explore how international collaboration, ethical frameworks, and locally grounded governance can support the preservation and future restoration of species. This approach supports both conservation and regeneration, providing a roadmap for hotspot-centered biodiversity recovery.^1-3.

Biobanks provide essential resources for research, yet little is known about their development in Latin America. This study reports the results of a cross-sectional survey conducted by the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories among Latin American biobanks between February and June 2021, during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 56 biobanks from seven countries responded to the survey, answering questions that included their institutional affiliations, funding, governance, and access policies. Most biobanks (94%) are linked to public or academic institutions, with human health research, particularly oncology, as the primary focus. Financial sustainability is a major concern, with most biobanks relying on institutional or grant-based funding. While many biobanks report adherence to international standard operating procedures and openness to share samples and associated data, challenges in data standardization and collaboration persist. Strengthening regional integration, harmonizing governance policies, and ensuring sustainable funding strategies are critical for enhancing the role of biobanks in Latin American and global research.

Global measures and restrictions implemented to control the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact and created challenges in regular business, commerce, and scientific activities, including biobank operations. The challenges were exacerbated by a dependence on imported supplies and reagents from countries such as the United States, China, and within Europe, as well as restrictions on exporting biological samples. The pandemic has highlighted the pressing need for regional autonomy in biobanking activities. This article aims to enhance the capacity of biobanks to respond effectively to future crises. Recognizing the importance of adaptability and resilience, our study highlights the specific strategies employed by a large biobank in Costa Rica to ensure the continuity of operations during unprecedented times. During the COVID-19 pandemic, biobanking operations encountered a number of critical challenges, which led to the identification, implementation, and integration of targeted mitigation strategies into our contingency framework. Five challenges were identified and subsequently addressed: disruptions and shortfalls in the supply of essential material, continuity of daily biobank operations, storage capacity constraints coupled with export limitations, difficulties associated with consent procedures, and complications surrounding personnel testing. These lessons underscore the critical importance of contingency planning, digitization of biobanking workflows, and increased regional collaboration to strengthen the autonomy and resilience of biobanks in the face of future crises.