By Dr. Ramnath Babu
Cryopreservation encompasses the freezing of biological materials, such as cells, tissues, and even whole embryos, for long-term storage. It forms a vital part of both. biobank and fertility treatment and is therefore an enabling technology in medical research. Long-term viability depends on a long regime of constant monitoring and often very precise controls of storage conditions. However, in recent years, AI has emerged as a transformative technology in this space, with 24/7 vigilant monitoring fundamentally reshaping the functioning of cryopreservation facilities.
Traditional cryopreservation monitoring has relied on manual controls and rudimentary automated systems that track temperature, liquid nitrogen levels, and other key parameters. While these methods have been reasonably effective to some extent, they have their drawbacks. Manual monitoring is a time-consuming and error-prone job; Furthermore, it always overlooks small fluctuations that could affect the biological integrity of the samples.
This is where AI intervenes with a continuous real-time monitoring system of cryopreserved samples with unparalleled precision. AI-powered systems use advanced sensors and machine learning algorithms to continuously monitor the ongoing storage environment and detect even the slightest deviations from optimal conditions.
Probably the biggest advantage of AI in cryopreservation is its predictability. Algorithms can analyze historical patterns using AI and show patterns that are likely to precede a problem. This, for example, allows AI to predict when liquid nitrogen levels approach critically low levels based on usage patterns and alert staff. This proactive approach stops any form of emergency and ensures that the integrity of all stored samples remains intact.
AI-enhanced cryopreservation monitoring systems showed damage reduction by a huge margin than traditional methods. The same study reported that AI systems further increased the overall productivity of cryopreservation facilities, as fewer resources were required to maintain optimal conditions.
Additionally, since AI can work tirelessly without fatigue or supervision, cryopreservation facilities can be in a constant state of surveillance. This is particularly the case for large biobanks that may store several thousand samples and face an extremely high level of risk. AI monitoring at such facilities ensures that literally every sample is attended to 24/7, regardless of any changes in staffing levels or other operational challenges.
AI monitoring also contributes to better regulatory compliance and data management. AI systems automatically record all relevant data; therefore, they provide a complete audit trail in real time, simplifying compliance and reducing the risk of sanctions. This type of automated record keeping further aids continuous improvement studies as facilities can easily analyze performance data and identify areas for improvement.
AI-powered cryopreservation monitoring is setting new standards for the field, enabling vigilant all-day and all-night surveillance over stored samples. Therefore, this development serves not only to improve the safety and reliability of cryopreservation, but even opens new frontiers in research and medicine, extending even further into fertility treatments. As AI technology continues its growth path, it is also taking on an increasingly integral position in cryopreservation, leading to an era of unprecedented safety and efficiency for biobanking.
This article is written by Dr. Ramnath Babu TJ, Co-Founder and CEO of SpOvum® Technologies.
(DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely the author’s and ETHealthworld.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETHealthworld.com shall not be liable for any damage caused to any person/organization directly or indirectly)
