2. CoolCell
An alcohol-free cell freezing
container
CoolCell
Replaces “Mr. Frosty”
An alcohol-filled freezing container
Mr. Frosty
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3. Background
Most cell culture researchers freeze cells in a
o
-80 C freezer prior to storing in liquid nitrogen
o
They need a slow freeze rate of -1 C/minute
“Mr. Frosty” is commonly used now
It uses 100% iso-propylalcohol (IPA) to control the freezing
o
rate to approximately -1 C/minute
“CoolCell” controls the freezing rate MORE
CONSISTENTLY
with no alcohol – no fluids – no maintenance – no cost
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4. “Mr. Frosty”
The alcohol in “Mr. Frosty” must be replaced
every 5 uses in order to keep the freeze rate
o
near the desired -1 C/minute. This means…..
you have to keep track of how many times you use it (hassle!)
you have to purchase alcohol (expense!)
you have to dispose used alcohol (hassle, smell & expense!)
More importantly, it also means that the alcohol
level changes every time it is used
“Mr. Frosty” results in different freezing profile if not maintained
properly
It is a heat sucker “Caution” can ruin your samples/probes in
freezer
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5. CoolCell
o
CoolCell delivers a very consistent -1 C/minute
freeze rate without alcohol
Freezing profiles are extremely consistent every time
Less variability and high repeatability in your research
Fusion time and cooling profiles are
highly reproducible from run to run
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6. CoolCell
CoolCell outperforms “Mr. Frosty” in cell viability
Researchers care most about cell viability (i.e. how many cells
are still viable after they are thawed out at a later date)
In primary human cells, CoolCell significantly outperforms
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7. Additional CoolCell Advantages
No on-going cost – COST SAVINGS!
“Mr. Frosty” costs approx. $350/year for alcohol purchase & disposal
Lid is easy to open – even when frozen
“Mr. Frosty” screw cap is very difficult to open when frozen
Not cold to the touch and not “frosty” when frozen
“Mr. Frosty” requires special gloves to handle and is very slippery due to frost/ice
on exterior
Ready to use again after only 5 minutes
“Mr. Frosty” requires about 1.5 hours for alcohol to thaw before it can be used
again
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8. CoolCell vs “Mr. Frosty”
CoolCell “Mr. Frosty”
No alcohol Requires 250ml alcohol
• No hazardous fluids • Replace alcohol every 5 uses (250ml)
• Solid core and insulation design • Keep track of # of uses
• No pre-cooling required • Alcohol degrades slightly each time it’s used
• Pre-cool alcohol in refrigerator
Very consistent -1oC/min rate Inconsistent freeze rate
• All vials have uniform freeze rate every time • Each run is slightly different due to alcohol
• Radially symmetric – design enables consistency degradation
• Two circles of wells – different freeze rates for each
circle
Cost savings ~$338/year maintenance per unit
• No maintenance cost • Change alcohol weekly (~$6/wk)
• Pays for itself quickly • Dispose haz waste (~$0.75/wk)
• 10 units = $3,380 to use EVERY YEAR
Lid opens easily Screw cap very difficult to remove when frozen
• Not cold to the touch when removing from the -80C • Protective gloves required when handling frozen unit
freezer
Better cell viability Good cell viability
Ready to use again in 5 minutes Takes >1 hour for device to return to room
temp for re-use
Low impact on freezer Large thermal mass impacts local freezer area
• 1/3 the heat impact on freezer compared to alcohol- • Large heat capacity removed from alcohol impacts
filled units nearby samples
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