Research Projects

A cryobank would significantly advance ethical animal research by aligning with the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement), minimizing the need for continuous animal sacrifice. Cryopreserved samples offer numerous advantages, which include that they provide invaluable resources for validating new assays, developing diagnostic tools, and standardizing experimental protocols, especially for rare or genetically modified animal models. They enable retrospective studies and serve as controls for longitudinal analyses, maximizing scientific return and optimizing resource utilization. The aim of the proposed research focuses on the feasibility of cryopreserving whole blood and the formed elements from various laboratory animal species. The long-term goal is to establish a functional cryobank to support diverse research areas like transfusion biology, toxicology, immunology, and medical device testing. Key objectives of the project include optimizing cryoprotective agent cocktails, standardizing freezing protocols for maximal cellular integrity, and evaluating the long-term storage feasibility, post-thaw viability, and functionality of these cryopreserved samples. This initiative promises to provide standardized, readily available biological materials, fostering collaborations and reducing animal usage in research.