Biopreservation and Biobanking最新文献

Adequate hypothermic storage of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) is of fundamental importance since they have been explored in several regenerative medicine initiatives. However, the actual clinical application of hMSCs necessitates hypothermic storage for long periods, a process that requires the use of non-toxic and efficient cryo-reagents capable of maintaining high viability and differentiating properties after thawing. Current cryopreservation methods are based on cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) containing dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), which have been shown to be toxic for clinical applications. In this study, we describe a simple and effective trehalose (TRE)-based solution to cryo-store human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) in liquid nitrogen. Cells viability, identity, chromosomal stability, proliferative and migration capacity, and stress response were assessed after cryopreservation in TRE as CPA, testing different concentrations by itself or in combination with ethylene glycol (EG). Here we show that TRE-stored UC-MSCs provided lower cell recovery rates compared with DMSO-based solution, but maintained good functional properties, stability, and differentiating potential. The best cell recovery was obtained using 0.5 M TRE with 10% EG showing no differences in the osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation capacity. A second cycle of cryopreservation in this TRE-based solution had no additional impact on the viability and morphology, although slightly affected cell migration. Furthermore, the expression of the stress-related genes, HSPA1A, SOD2, TP53, BCL-2, and BAX, did not show a higher response in UC-MSCs cryopreserved in 0.5 M TRE + 10% EG compared with DMSO. Together these results, in addition to ascertained therapeutic properties of TRE, provide sufficient evidence to consider TRE-based medium as a low-cost and efficient solution for the storage of human UC-MSCs cells and potentially substitute DMSO-based cryo-reagents.

Objective: Ethical research recruitment relies on effective informed consent. We sought feedback and acceptance from users regarding an interactive, multimedia, electronic consent (e-consent) platform for recruitment of research participants to the BC Children's Hospital BioBank (BCCHB). We aimed to enhance user experience when considering research participation and documenting consent decisions through the modality of an e-consent.Study Design: A prototype e-consent was developed and end-user opinions regarding content, visuals, user satisfaction, and electronic consent/assent practices were obtained from children, teens, and adults via an online survey and focus groups. A finalized e-consent was submitted for research ethics board (REB) approval.Results: All age groups rated the description of information, images, and formatting in the e-consent as highly favorable. Teens and adults preferred online (38% and 42%) rather than paper-based (17% and 16%) consent, while children expressed no preference. Majority of children (100%), teens (92%), and adults (98%) agreed or strongly agreed that they understood all the information given during the online consent process. No significant differences were found in survey responses between age groups. Adult and teen focus groups suggested improvements in formatting and addition of features to further clarify terms like "ongoing donation" and "privacy measures." All ages preferred the ability to complete the e-consent independently, with optional assistance from research staff. The e-consent received REB approval and was implemented for BCCHB recruitment.Conclusion: An e-consent was developed and its modality was successfully accepted by end-users from several age groups, including children and teens, for use in pediatric biobanking. This method may potentially improve the process of completing research consent, particularly with adolescents.

Equipment monitoring (e.g., freezers, incubators) plays a vital role in specimen storage infrastructure. Monitoring solutions are often associated with a significant initial expense and short-term operational lifespan due to expensive contracts or suppliers going out of business. Numerous incidents of "monitored" lab equipment failing without notice have been reported. This has led to the loss of irreplaceable research material and severely impacted careers. In pursuit of a universally accessible solution, we deployed and now have over 15 years of continuous experience using residential alarm systems for laboratory monitoring. In this communication, it is presented how home alarm systems, designed for robust, fail-safe monitoring, can be used to augment commercially available solutions. Provided are high-level descriptions of how to deploy these solutions for equipment monitoring and how to expand their use into other monitoring tasks.

Objectives: This study aimed to systematically map the literature on saliva collection, processing, and storage methods for biobanking purposes, identifying current practices and gaps in standardization.Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted in five electronic databases and gray literature. Original research articles reporting cross-sectional and longitudinal studies using saliva for biobanking, as well as reports and protocols for biobank establishment, were included. The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, with two reviewers independently assessing eligibility and extracting data.Results: A total of 50 articles were included, revealing that most studies were reports on biobank establishment (38%), followed by longitudinal studies (28%), protocols (20%), and cross-sectional studies (14%). Saliva collection methods varied, with commercial kits being the most reported (40%), followed by sterile tubes (22%). While 64% of studies described processing methods and 78% reported storage methods, significant gaps in reporting were noted. Unstimulated saliva was the most commonly collected sample type (38%), and most studies focused on adult participants (46%), often with disease conditions (36%). However, many studies did not provide sufficient details on collection methods, processing techniques, storage conditions, or participant demographics.Conclusion: This review highlights the urgent need for standardized protocols in saliva biobanking to ensure consistency, reliability, and reproducibility in diagnostic research. The lack of uniformity in methodologies across studies limits the potential of saliva biobanks as a resource for identifying biomarkers of systemic and oral diseases. Establishing harmonized guidelines will enhance international collaboration, enable robust analyses, and maximize the utility of saliva in advancing personalized medicine and public health.

Background: Informed consent (IC) for biobank practice is vital to ensure that sample collection, storage, and utilization are ethical. However, the standard practices in biobanking in upper-middle-income countries such as Indonesia often rely on specific consent, leading to restricted sample use and ethical concerns. This article describes the development of an IC model that meets ethical standards and yet is acceptable for biobanking practice in an Indonesian academic hospital. Method: We conducted a study involving Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Biobank Unit and the UGM Academic Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, between 2019 and 2021. The IC development process consisted of four stages: (1) conceptualization, (2) preparation, (3) pilot, and (4) evaluation. These activities were part of a more extensive pilot study for an academic hospital-based biobank (Medical Biobank for Research in Indonesia (MBRIO) study). Result: We conceptualized a broad consent model, consisting of an information sheet, comprehension test, agreement sheet, and exit survey. We tested and revised the broad consent document to ensure readability, trained 10 consenting staff (1 surgeon and 9 nurses), and then piloted the IC procedure on 24 patients with elective surgery. The evaluation showed that patients understood the information objectively and subjectively. Consenting staff considered the broad consent model acceptable for the academic hospital setting and suggested improvements to increase the readability of information sheets and have more trained staff for better coordination. Conclusion: The IC development process and model consent are ethically sufficient, acceptable and feasible to be implemented in academic hospital-based biobanks in Indonesia adjusted to the business processes.