BIOFREEZE: The new freezing medium from Biochrom AG - without DMSO and without serum
The new serum-free freezing medium BIOFREEZE contains no dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which is toxic to cells. The function of DMSO is replaced by a less toxic anti-freezing agent. "BIOFREEZE is suitable for mammalian cells or to enable tissue reconstruction. It supersedes conventional freezing media because BIOFREEZE creates comparable cell viability after thawing. We have verified this for different cell lines", explains Dr. Wolfgang Höckh, member of the Biochrom AG Managing Board.
Classic serum-containing freezing media contain serum and glycerol or DMSO as an anti-freezing agent. Serum thereby assumes a protective function for the cells. It is made up of over a thousand different substances, which are not defined more precisely. Serum offers growth advantages for the cells and protects them during the freezing process. Because of the variable composition of serum, however, many users prefer defined media in cell culture.
DMSO and glycerol prevent crystallisation during the freezing process. DMSO is somewhat more effective in this than glycerol, although it is also significantly more toxic. "The alternative is BIOFREEZE, for freezing cells without using DMSO or serum", says Höckh.
The following also applies for BIOFREEZE: The condition of the cells before freezing, the medium used with the anti-freezing agent, the cooling rate, the quality of the cryogenic vials and the constant storage temperature - these are all vital to cell viability after thawing. Cells must be frozen slowly, but thawed quickly. Too much freezing medium prolongs the thawing time.
