Biopreservation and Biobanking最新文献

Background: Biorepositories facilitate research and clinical studies in many settings. Modern biobanks use state-of-the art storage methods and low temperatures, while many older collections of biospecimens have been stored at less optimal temperatures. The Janus Serum Bank Cohort in Norway holds over 700,000 serum samples collected decades ago and stored at -25°C. To obtain insights in the stability of serum components at -25°C over prolonged times, we performed 7 measurements for increasing storage time up to 108 months for a panel of 15 serum components. Method: A selection of analytes (proteins, an enzyme, electrolytes, small molecules, hormones, lipids, and a vitamin) were measured in serum from 40 anonymous donors. The serum components were measured in fresh samples and after 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 72, and 108 months in storage at -25°C. We tested for variations using analysis of variance and paired sample t-tests and performed trend analyses for these serum component levels against time. Results: All measured serum components showed differences in values for at least one of the timepoints. Trend analyses identified significantly decreasing levels for nine components, whereas four components showed significantly increasing levels. Two components did not show significant trends. Conclusion: Storage of serum at -25°C may result in changes in serum analyte levels over time. We cannot exclude that batch effects of assaying kits; laboratory instrument changes and standards contributed to the observed differences. To mitigate the influence of increasing storage time, storage time should be used as matching criteria for control samples included in research projects.

Biobankers rely on their experience, supplemented with a variety of tools, to help establish and sustain their operations. These tools support operations, cost determination, quality management, and governance. Costing tools have often been used to determine the economic value of a single specimen or an entire collection, with the purpose of allowing researchers to recover costs when providing access to those resources. Until recently, biobank managers have focused on deriving sample value based solely on cost-model analyses. We propose an alternative way to value collections using a web-based, automated tool for biobankers to determine the noneconomic value of biospecimen collections. The tool supports fit-for-purpose determinations for collections using common attributes and defined criteria to facilitate broader sample utility, sharing, and overall sustainability in operations.

Introduction: The collection and preservation of postmortem genetic material from recently deceased animals of rare and endangered species represent a critical yet underexplored avenue in conservation biology. While extensive research has been conducted on the human postmortem interval (PMI), there is a notable gap in understanding the postmortem preservation of germplasm in endangered species. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the dynamics of apoptosis in various tissues of the Yangtze sturgeon at different postmortem time points, and to provide a reference for identifying the optimal time window for germplasm preservation in rare and endangered fish in the wild. Methods: Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphated nick-end labeling assay and tissue morphology analyses were used to investigate apoptosis in the brain, heart, fin, liver, gonad, muscle, spleen, and skin of the Yangtze sturgeon at five different time points 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 hours postmortem. Results: The results revealed a dynamic pattern of apoptosis. All tissues exhibited a time-dependent increase in apoptotic rate, indicating a clear correlation between PMI and apoptosis progression. This temporal pattern underscores the importance of timely genetic resource preservation, as the integrity of genetic material deteriorates progressively after death. Histomorphological analysis further demonstrated progressive degradation of tissue structure, especially in metabolically active tissues such as the gonad and fin. Conclusion: Based on the findings, we recommend that the genetic resources of the Yangtze sturgeon be preserved as soon as possible after death, particularly within the first 12 hours when tissue integrity remains sufficient for viable cell isolation or cryopreservation. This window is critical for metabolically active tissues, which show marked changes over time and may be important for postmortem identification. Further research should explore cryopreservation and antioxidant treatments to extend the preservation window for germplasm resources, ensuring the long-term viability of these valuable genetic materials.

Background: The German Biobank Node (GBN) coordinates the national network of academic biobanks in Germany; the German Biobank Alliance (GBA). At the beginning of 2025, the GBA consisted of 42 biobanks. With an upcoming strategic reorientation, the GBN/GBA was interested in understanding the perspectives of their community to ensure that strategic decisions were aligned with their needs and interests. Materials and Methods: An online survey with a cross-sectional design was conducted with the GBA community, targeting mostly first-line management of GBA biobanks. The invitation to the survey was sent via an internal GBA mailing list. It addressed primarily satisfaction with GBN/GBA services, organization of and collaboration within GBN/GBA, and expectations/wishes for the future. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Results: Participants generally considered being part of GBA to be important to very important. They emphasized the opportunity to network and exchange with colleagues as particularly helpful, but also training opportunities and quality management (QM) tools provided. In terms of organization, they found that the benefits of cooperating within GBA largely outweighed efforts and that opportunities to participate in processes were adequate. However, they also identified areas for improvement, for example, in the provision of information on how to join or establish working groups. In terms of relevant future topics, participants identified lobbying, networking within and outside GBA, training, and QM as particularly important priorities for GBN/GBA, as well as securing funding and strengthening local cooperation for individual biobanks. Discussion: The findings have informed the strategic development of GBN/GBA, with QM, education, and networking being the top future priorities. In terms of networking, the GBN/GBA has emphasized the importance of making the perspective of the community heard in other national networks. How to address sustainable funding remains an open question.

Despite widespread recognition of the need to increase sample utilization, the utilization rate of collected biospecimens for research is still low. In recent years, funders have shifted priorities towards supporting biobanks/collections with high utilization. Given the imperative to upscale sample utilization, a roundtable was held to discuss the considerations for maximizing and measuring the utilization of biospecimens and the output models that biobanks can employ to ensure greater impact and directly attributable advancements in medical science. The discussion revealed that most represented biobanks measure utilization of biospecimen but the measures vary broadly. Attendees agreed that the need to maximize utilization of collected biospecimens for research could be reinforced by a harmonized approach to increasing visibility, facilitating accessibility, and measuring subsequent outputs. The roundtable concluded with calls to action for the creation of biospecimen finding platforms and increased efforts towards the promotion of biobanking to the public.

The first Biobanking and BioMolecular resources Research Infrastructure-Academy Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI)'s Symposium, held in June 2024 at IARC/WHO in Lyon, explored ethical, legal, and societal dimensions of biobanking and biomedical research through interdisciplinary perspectives. Over eight thematic sessions, the event addressed diverse topics including data privacy, artificial intelligence ethics, regulatory compliance, genomics, and public participation, showcasing contributions from global experts and young researchers. The symposium emphasized the importance of balancing research innovation with societal and ethical considerations, offering insights into trust-building, gender-sensitive approaches, and cross-border collaboration. Marking a milestone for ELSI-focused discourse, the symposium laid the groundwork for ongoing engagement, with the next meeting planned for 2025 in Bilbao.

Introduction: This study is part of the broader Stem Line project Mito-Cell-UAB073, specifically focusing on "Stem Cell Lines-Quality Control," and aims to innovate in the field of Quality Control (QC) through a unique, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered model known as Life Cell AI UAB. This model utilizes deep learning algorithms and computer vision, allowing it to make accurate viability assessments of cell and stem cell lines based solely on static images captured through standard optical microscopes. Aim: The aim of this study was to develop and validate an AI-driven, image-based model that reliably predicts cell line viability. Methods: Our methodology involved training the Life Cell AI UAB model on single static images of cell lines using advanced computer vision and deep learning techniques. Performance evaluation was conducted on three independent blind test sets sourced from various biotechnology laboratories, allowing for assessment across diverse environments. Results: The Life Cell AI UAB model achieved a sensitivity of 82.1% in identifying viable cell lines and a specificity of 67.5% for non-viable lines across the test sets. Each blind test set exhibited a weighted accuracy above 63%, with a combined accuracy of 64.3%. Notably, predictions showed a clear distinction between correctly and incorrectly classified cells. The model outperformed traditional QC methods by improving accuracy in binary classification tasks by 21.9% (p = 0.042) and demonstrated a 42.0% enhancement over conventional Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) procedures (p = 0.026). Conclusion: The Life Cell AI UAB model represents a notable advancement in biobanking QC, offering a precise, standardized, and non-invasive method for assessing cell line viability. This model has the potential to streamline QC processes across laboratories, minimizing the need for time-lapse imaging and promoting uniformity in QC practices for both cell and stem cells.

Objectives: To facilitate the regionalization, specialization, and digitization of biobanks, three issues regarding data collection and application must be addressed (1) integration and distribution of data governance, (2) efficiency and efficacy of data governance, and (3) sustainability of data governance. Methods: We collaborated with stakeholders to identify priorities and assess infrastructure needs through the continuous evaluation and analysis of projects. We developed data management solutions, catalogs, and data models to optimize and support data collection, distribution, and application. Furthermore, ontologies were used to facilitate data integration from multiple sources, and Minimum Information About BIobank Data Sharing (MIABIS) was defined as accessible to all patients. To enhance data integrity, we conducted retrospective and prospective follow-up studies. Results: We completed infrastructure upgrades to match technical solutions and research demands. An information management software with six primary functional divisions was developed for data governance. We optimized the database structure and changed the biospecimen accumulation model from biospecimen-based to patient-centered and service-oriented. Subsequently, we specified 85 attributes of MIABIS to describe the biobank contents. A dual-pillar approach was adopted to expand the biobank's data in collaboration with other institutions, and MIABIS served as a bridge for both vertical and horizontal networks. From 2003 to 2021, we collected a total of 156,997 patient biospecimens/data from 20 cancer types, matching 53,113 cases from follow-up surveys. In addition, we supplied more than 40,000 biospecimens/data points for above 300 scientific research projects. Conclusions: An appropriate information platform for a biobank is fundamental to data collection, distribution, and application, particularly in the context of data-intensive research. We implemented a standardized scientific data structure to fulfill the research requirements. The sustainable development of a biobank depends on a scientific, standardized, and service-oriented data governance approach, along with the efficient utilization of emerging technologies.