Abstract
Oral Abstract
An AI Assessment Model for Cancer Tissues Frozen H&E Sections before Distribution in Biobanks
M. Sun1, W. Cheng1,2, X. Xu3, Y. Gu1, H. Chen2, F. Ding1, W. Jing1, Q. Hou1, G. Qin1, B. Liu1, Q. Wang1, S. Xiong1, M. Xu1
1Biobank/Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China, 2Clinical Biobank, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai, China, 3Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
A MBirSA Statement on Benefit Sharing in Biobanking in South Africa
C. Staunton
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KZN, South Africa
A Study on the Sharing Mechanism under the General Hospital Biobanks from the Perspective of the Principle of Solidarity
Y. Ji1, R. Wu1, H. Jiang1, C. Liu1, H. Xu2
1Huashan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China, 2Institute of Technology Ethics for Human Future, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Currently, there are many challenges such as inefficiency and ethical dilemmas when the people are trying to practice data and sample sharing in the general hospitals, so that people needs a fair and reasonable sharing mechanism to avoid on individual-centered consent and governance models that limit trust, reciprocity, to achieve the maximum capacity on sustained, equitable resource sharing. Therefore, constructing an ethical framework based on the principle of solidarity becomes necessary to promote responsible, sustainable sharing practices in general hospital biobanks.
This study proposes a governance framework guided by the principle of solidarity. It advocates for a shift from a transactional logic toward a model of shared responsibility and mutual benefit. Drawing on Durkheim’s social solidarity concept and Prainsack & Buyx’s tripartite model, the study further constructs a solidarity-based ethical framework for biobank sharing:
Interpersonal solidarity—based on ethical reciprocity: participants voluntarily contribute samples for collective benefit, with biobanks ensuring transparency and benefit feedback. Group solidarity—functions through participatory co-governance. Ethics committees comprising patients, researchers, and regulators jointly deliberate on consent models, data reuse, and risk management. Institutional solidarity—manifests in shared accountability. Biobanks implement layered consent, data traceability, and transparent risk-sharing to protect all contributors.
This framework translates solidarity from a moral ideal into actionable governance. It redefines the biobank's role as ethical “bridges” and “guarantors” that link individual contributions to public-health goals through clear policies, feedback, and risk-mitigation measures.
Integrating the principle of solidarity into biobank governance provides a feasible pathway to enhance transparency, strengthen public trust, and unlock greater collaborative value in biomedical research. By operationalizing solidarity through multi-level mechanisms of reciprocity, co-governance, and institutional accountability, the biobank evolves from a passive repository into a dynamic ethical infrastructure—bridging individuals and communities, transforming voluntary contribution into shared social value. In doing so, it builds a sustainable, participatory, and ethically coherent sharing ecosystem that safeguards contributors while advancing collective health goals.
J. Jiang2, H. Liu3, Z. Su1, J. Li1, N. Nian4, H. Liu2
1School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China, 2Jingwei Zhiyun (Beijing) Technology, Beijing, China, 3The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China, 4The Affiliated Hospital of the Neurology Institute in Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Anhui, China
Morphology-Guided Zonal Sampling Protocol for Colorectal Cancer: A Histology-Based Strategy to Enhance Biobank Specimen Quality
W. Jing
Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
A Comparative Evaluation of Different Cooling Strategies for Cryopreserving Mouse Liver Tissue: Assessing Viability, Structure, Metabolism, and Regenerative Potential
j. Pei, X. Kang, M. Peng, X. Qi, Y. Wang
Medical Innovation Research Department of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
A Serum Metabolomics Signature for Early Detection and Molecular Stratification in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
H. Ma, W. Chen
Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
A Resource of Paired CSF and Serum in Neuroimmune Diseases: Strategies for Micro-Volume Biospecimen Management
X. Liu, X. Chen
Huashan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China
The biobank currently contains over 2,000 unique pairs of CSF and serum, including 1130 cases of AE, 465 cases of MS, 341 cases of NMOSD, 230 cases of peripheral neuropathy, and 282 cases of motor neuron disease. The median volume of CSF samples is 0.8 mL (IQR: 0.5 - 1.2 mL). The QC demonstrates high sample quality: pilot biomarker analyses in a subset of samples yielded robust and clinically congruent results, confirming the analytical suitability of the collection despite the low volume.
J. H. Luong1, L. Wang2, X. Qi2, W. Qiang3, Z. Kozlakidis4
1Smoke-Free and Healthy Life Association of Macau, Macao, 2Center for Global Public Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China, 3National Pathogen Resource Center, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China, 4International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, Lyon, France
Development of The First National Human Biospecimen Proficiency Testing Program by The Thailand Biobank Consortium
C. Wongkasa1, T. Thanomchard1, N. Denchairat2, N. Luepongpatthana2, P. Apisampinvong3, D. Subagandha4, J. Phetcharaburanin5, A. Pasena3, P. Khongkow6, N. Jinawath2, 7
1Ramathibodi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, 2Program in Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, 3Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 4Proficiency Testing Division, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand, 5Department of Systems Biosciences and Computational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 6Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkla, Thailand, 7Integrative Computational BioScience Center, Mahidol University, Salaya campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Biobanks are essential infrastructures for storing biological specimens that support biomedical research, where specimen quality determines research reliability. Participation in Proficiency Testing (PT) programs is a key approach to verify biospecimen quality according to international standards. In the past, medical institute–based biobanks in Thailand relied on purchasing PT samples from overseas, resulting in high upfront expenses and growing long-term costs, as well as delays caused by transportation and customs clearance, all of which disrupted continuity in quality assurance. To address these challenges, the Thailand Biobank Consortium (TBC), together with the Proficiency Testing Division of the Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, initiated Thailand’s first national PT program for human biospecimens (Thai HBPT program). The program covers both Processing schemes (DNA extraction from frozen tissue and whole blood) and Testing schemes (DNA integrity, quantification, and purity). Prepared samples were evaluated for homogeneity and stability in compliance with ISO 17043, and participants’ performance was analyzed according to ISO 13528.
In the first year, a pilot study involving biobanks from the four main institutions of TBC (four participants each, total N=16) revealed limitations, including low standard deviation, limited participant diversity, and clustering effects. In the second year, the program expanded nationwide to include other biobanks and medical laboratories, increasing participation to 30 institutions. This expansion improved the statistical strength and reliability of the program, as well as the diversity of methods and instruments, thereby enhancing the robustness of the PT program and demonstrating the feasibility of a sustainable, high-quality national PT scheme. In 2027, the Thai Human Biospecimen Proficiency Testing (HBPT) program will officially open for registration and operation under the Proficiency Testing Division, which will undergo ISO 17043 accreditation. This initiative will establish Thailand’s first certified national PT program for human biospecimens, strengthening quality assurance and advancing the country’s biomedical research infrastructure.
Consent in Biobanks in Europe and Worldwide: Models, Challenges, and Future Directions
J. Kinkorova
University Hospital Pilsen, Pilsen, Czechia
Construction of Patient-Derived Organoid-based Living Biobank in a Gerenal Public Hospital: Key Strategies and Early–Stage Experiences
Y. Zhang1, Y. Yang2, Q. Tang1
1Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China, 2State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, Fudan University School of Life Sciences, Shanghai, China
Construction and Operation of the Biobank at Peking University People's Hospital: A Comprehensive Practice for Standardized Biomedical Resource Preservation
Y. Zhang
Peking University, Beijing, China
Development of a Community-Based Natural Population Cohort Biobank of Mental Disorders
X. Zhang, X. Wang
Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
Distinctive Features on Building the Huashan Hospital Fudan University BioBank
J. Wu, H. Jiang, T. Chen, C. Liu, Y. Ji, G. Liu, Y. Mao
Huashan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Development of Advanced Vitrification Solutions through the Application of Macromolecules: A Case Study Using PVP
R. Ma1,2, W. Wang2, Z. Diao3, T. Li4, X. Ma2, S. Ren5,2, Z. Shu2, D. Gao2
1Northeastern University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China, 2University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States, 3Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 4University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States, 5Seattle University, Seattle, Washington, United States
Freezing approaches are commonly used to preserve biological specimens for both clinical and research. However, the biospecimens can be damaged by the deadly intracellular ice formation and severe cell dehydration (due to extracellular ice formation) during the cooling process, as well as the lethal ice-recrystallization during the rewarming process. In contrast, ice-free cryopreservation, i.e., vitrification, offers an alternative and promising solution to prevent both intra- and extracellular ice formation, reducing cell/tissue cryoinjury. However, commonly used vitrification media/solutions, such as VS55 and M22, contain high concentrations of permeating cryoprotectant agents, such as DMSO, generating high risks of potential toxicity and/or osmotic injury to cells and tissues. Therefore, reducing the use or the concentration of these permeating CPAs while maintaining vitrification efficiency is desirable. In this study, we studied and evaluated the effect of different molecular weight ranges and concentration of a macromolecule, Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), on the vitrification phenomena. Experimental results from this study demonstrated that the concentration of PVP significantly influenced the vitrification temperature, as shown by differential scanning calorimetry and the Fox predictive model. In addition, the influence of PVP on the solution’s viscosity, toxicity, dielectric property, and osmolarity were investigated to optimize the concentration and molecular weight cutoff range of PVPs for making the optimal vitrification solutions. Finally, 25 mL newly-developed vitrification solutions with/without living Jurkat cells were tested in the cooling and rewarming processes. The Jurkat cell cryo-survival rates were evaluated by their viability and proliferation ability in experiments. In conclusion, by introducing the PVP, the DMSO concentration is greatly reduced from over 50% to 10% to ensure vitrification of the cell suspension and cell survival after rewarming.
Audit Update on Breast Tissue Biobank Set-up from a Single Institutional Cohort in an LMIC
C. Koppiker1,2, L. Busheri2,1, N. Athavale1, A. Chote1, P. Kanase1, B. Das1, C. Mathew1, J. John1, V. Lulla1, V. Jain1, S. Bhandari1, P. Daphale1, S. Limaye1, D. Kelkar1, P. Sivadasan1, R. Alhat3, R. Navgire3, M. Munshi3, U. Dhar3, C. Deshmukh3, N. Zumale3, B. Varghese3, M. Pai3, R. Mishra1, S. Joshi1, M. Kulkarni1
1Center for Translational Cancer Research, Prashanti Cancer Care Mission Pune, Pune, Maharashtra, India, 2Prashanti Cancer Care Mission, Pune, Maharashtra, India, 3Orchids Breast Health Centre, In association with PCCM and Jehangir Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Determination Of Biocontainment Levels for Biobanked Samples – A South African Case Study
P. Johnston
Vaccine development and diagnostics, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
The correct level of biocontainment when storing pathogens (biobanking) is vital not only from a biosafety point of view, but also a biosecurity point of view. Determining the biocontainment level of these biobank samples can sometimes be challenging. In 2014 the Agricultural Research Council – Onderstepoort Veterinary Research embarked on a project to create a central biobank for field and laboratory isolates housed in various diagnostic and research laboratories. The Pathogen Asset Control System was used to compile the data from the laboratories, and determination of containment was based on parental pathogen characteristics. To ensure that the biocontainment level was accurately assigned various multiplex screening assays were done on the samples to be banked in the central biobank. Various molecular based multiplex screening assays were performed on the samples to be deposited into the biobank, the assays were designed to identify some of the common veterinary important pathogens in both ruminants (n=24) and poultry (n=9). Samples that were to be banked in the central biobank were tested for the presence of pathogens, other than the pathogen recorded on the Pathogen Asset Control System by the depositing laboratory. The preliminary results indicated that in 90% of the cases the correct biocontainment level was assigned to the samples to be deposited in the central biobank. However, in 10% of the cases higher biocontainment levels had to be assigned to the samples. The discrepancy was seen mostly in field samples that had been tested for a single pathogen, and upon the multiplex screening, other pathogens were detected in the sample that required more stringent biocontainment levels. In conclusion it has been found that the use of the molecular based multiplex screening assays has been a critical tool for the centralised biobanking of field and laboratory samples to ensure adequate containment of the pathogens in the sample.
Biobanking for Booroolongs: Investigating the Effect of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and Caffeine on Post-Thaw Sperm Motility in a Threatened Frog Species
Z. M. Anastas1, A. Silla1, P. Byrne1, R. Hobbs2, M. McFadden3, J. Daly3,4, J. O’Brien3
1School of Science, University of Wollongong Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia, 2New South Wales Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia, 3Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia, 4University of New South Wales Science, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
From Data Fragmentation to Integration: Developing the Pathogenic Variant Database (CRDPVD) of the National Rare Disease Biobank of China
Y. Zhang, R. He, D. Guo
Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, Beijing, China
Implementing a Research-Driven, Fully Digital Biobanking System: Experience from the Second Affiliated Hospital Biobank, Nanchang University
Y. Yi, H. Wu, X. Li, H. Luo
Biobank Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
Exploration and Reflection on the Construction of Unmanned Biobanks
W. Liang, Y. Lei, H. Shan, M. Chen
Shanghai Clinical Research and Trail Center, Shanghai, China
Enhancing Perceived Data Security in an In-House Developed Biobank Laboratory Information Management System: Insights from a Multi-Stakeholder Workshop
L. Lazuardi1, F. Pramatasari3, E. Kurniawan3, S. Hariyanto3, J. Fachiroh2
1Department of Health Policy & Management, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 2Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Jogja, Indonesia, 3Biobank Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Establishing a U.S. Biobank Within a Global Network: Considerations for Aligning Legacy Human Samples to International Governance Standards
R. Humeida, A. Ghosh, Q. Wagner, X. Nguyen
Precision Medicine & Biosamples, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Wilmington, Delaware, United States
Indonesia’s Biobank Network for Precision Medicine and Population Genomics: First National Biobank Infrastructure
I. R. Supriadi, BGSI Consortium
Center for Biomedical and Health Genomics, Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia, Jakarta, Special Capital Region of Jakarta, Indonesia
Fulfilling the Promise of Biobanks for Innovation in Africa’s Technological Era
K. F. Kabo, O. Diallo
Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Dakar Region, Senegal
Label-Free Intelligent Assessment of Organoid Viability and its Applications
R. Yang, Y. Yu
Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
Iterative Orthotopic Mouse Models for Generating Phenotype-Defined Biospecimens and Matched Datasets in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis Research
K. Jiang1, L. Liao1,2, L. Zheng1,2, P. Zhang1, Z. Wang1, X. Kang1
1Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China, 2Shanghai Cancer Institute State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai, China
Integrating an ISO 20387-Certified Biobank with a Comprehensive Clinical Database to Power Research in a Large Pediatric Liver Transplantation Cohort
X. Kang, Q. Xia, K. Jiang, Z. Wang, L. Zheng, Y. Liu, Y. Wang, P. Zhang, S. Chen, K. Luo
Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
Intelligent Biobank Supports the Construction of Shanghai Natural Population Cohort Project
P. Xiao
Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
The Shanghai Natural Population Cohort Project is a large-scale, prospective, multi-omics-integrated population-based study of permanent residents. This initiative places extremely high demands on high-quality biospecimen collection, long-term storage, precise management, and efficient utilization. To address the challenges of large sample size, diverse sample types, long follow-up periods, and complex quality control, we have developed a modern biobank system centered on standardization, automation, information technology, and intelligence.
This intelligent biobank integrates the Internet of Things, automated storage equipment, a laboratory information management system, and a cohort data platform to enable digital tracking of the entire sample lifecycle, from collection, transportation, storage, to release and use. This not only strongly supports numerous multi-omics and chronic disease studies but also provides a replicable and scalable “Chinese solution” for large population-based cohorts worldwide.
This report systematically describes the intelligent biobank's architectural design, key technology applications, implementation results, and lessons learned. It explores how intelligence can empower the development of high-quality biospecimen resources and promote the sustainable development of precision medicine and public health research.
Living Biobanks of Liver Organoids: Valuable Resource for Drug Safety Assessment
S. Gong, W. Huang, J. Zhou
Children's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
Machine Learning-based Prediction of Antimicrobial Resistance in Klebsiella Pneumoniae Using Whole Genome Sequence Data
J. Zhang, Y. Niu, Y. Zhang, Y. Xing, D. Guo
Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
Integrated Image Repository for Breast Tissue Biobank: Enabling Translational Research
P. Vaid1,2, G. V1, D. Adiwal1,3, V. Ingawale1,3, B. Ohal1, S. Ghute1, A. Atrey1, S. Durge1,3, K. Saran1, M. S1,3, A. Puntambekar4, N. Zumale5, M. Pai5, B. Varghese5, D. Kelkar1, L. Shashidhara6,1, C. Koppiker1,7, M. Kulkarni1
1Center for Translational Cancer Research, Prashanti Cancer Care Mission Pune, Pune, Maharashtra, India, 2Ashoka University, Sonipat, HR, India, 3IISER Pune, Pune, India, 4Consultant Histopathologist, Krsnaa Diagnostics Ltd, Pune, India, 5Orchids Breast Health Centre, in association with PCCM and Jehangir Hospital, Pune, India, 6NCBS, Bangalore, India, 7Prashanti Cancer Care Mission, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Industry Clinical Trial Samples in Long-Term Storage: A Quality and Stability Study by Takeda Pharmaceutical’s Biobank
S. Chan, S. Zoghbi, W. Hasan
Sample Management & Biobank, Takeda Development Center Americas Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Integrated Antioxidant, Nanoparticle, And Antifreeze Protein Strategies Synergistically Enhance Cryotop Vitrification Outcomes of Porcine Parthenogenetic Embryos
X. Zhao
Institute of Animal science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
Porcine embryo cryopreservation remains challenging due to high lipid content, oxidative stress, and ice recrystallization that compromise post-thaw survival and developmental competence. We evaluated an integrated vitrification approach combining antioxidants (berberine, melatonin), iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles, and antifreeze protein I (AFP I) with post-thaw interventions (glutathione and zona pellucida digestion) to synergistically improve cryosurvival and developmental competence of porcine parthenogenetic embryos. In vitro-matured parthenogenetic embryos were vitrified on Cryotop using a protocol including berberine and melatonin in embryo culture, Fe3O4 nanoparticles and AFP I in cryoprotectant solutions, and post-warming treatment with glutathione plus brief zona pellucida digestion. Survival, hatching, ATP content, ROS levels, cytoskeletal integrity, and the expression of BAX, BCL2, OCT4, and SOX2 genes were measured. Combined berberine + melatonin improved survival to 87.8% vs 70.0% (Cryotop alone), increased normal microtubules to 82.69% vs 66.67%, reduced ROS to 52.85, raised ATP to 0.32 pmol, and elevated hatching to 83.90%. Both the dual antioxidant (berberine + melatonin) and nanoparticle + AFP interventions produced greater improvements than individual additives. Fully integrating all components yielded the highest post-thaw viability, with 93.75% survival and 90.48% hatching, statistically equivalent to fresh embryos. Treated embryos also showed significantly higher ATP levels, lower ROS accumulation (approaching fresh embryo levels), and preserved microtubule structure (∼91% normal). Vitrification alone upregulated BAX and downregulated BCL2, OCT4, and SOX2, whereas the integrated protocol restored these gene expression levels to near control values. This multi-component antioxidant, nanoparticle, antifreeze strategy synergistically enhances the cryotolerance and developmental competence of vitrified porcine embryos by mitigating oxidative stress and cryoinjury. Post-thaw viability and molecular markers were restored to near-fresh conditions, demonstrating a promising approach to improve embryo cryopreservation outcomes in swine and potentially other species. This nano-biocompatible, multi-agent approach advances reproducible, cross-species germline biobanking.
Integrating Genomics into Indonesia’s National Health Survey: Technical Insights from the BGSI Central Biobank
I. I. Atmosukarto1, BGSI Consortium2
1Balai Besar Biomedis dan Genomika, Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia, Jakarta, Special Capital Region of Jakarta, Indonesia, 2Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia, Jakarta, Special Capital Region of Jakarta, Indonesia
Managing Incidental Findings at Qatar Biobank: Unintended Discoveries, Intended Outcomes
M. Eldeeb
Qatar Biobank, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Doha, Qatar
Streamlining Specimen Inventory Management at the NSW Health Statewide Biobank - A Five-Year Review
Y. Li, M. Villalva, D. Tao, S. Holroyd, B. Caruana
NSW Health Statewide Biobank, New South Wales Health Pathology, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
Nationwide Genotype-Resistance Landscape of Wickerhamomyces anomalus in China and Genomic Decoding of the First Pan-Resistant Clinical Isolate
T. Sun, Z. Luo, Y. Ning, L. Zhang, Y. Xu, D. Guo
Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
(1) From 2009–2021, CHIF-NET prospectively collected 307 non-duplicate W. anomalus isolates from 44 hospitals in 24 provinces. Species identification was confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS and ITS sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility to 10 agents was determined by CLSI M27 micro-dilution; epidemiological cut-off values were applied to define wild-type (WT) and non-wild-type (NWT) populations. Six-locus microsatellite typing was performed; clusters were defined as ≥2 patients sharing an identical genotype within one hospital.
(2) One multi-drug-resistant bloodstream isolate (15XN272) underwent whole-genome sequencing, to assay resistance-associated mutations and copy-number variations in ERG11, FKS1. Biofilm biomass assay and murine haematogenous infection model to assess virulence.
Epidemiology: Isolates were predominantly from Northeast (n=121) and East China (n=87). Neonates <28 d (n=84) carried the highest relative burden (12.7 %). Blood cultures accounted for 249 isolates.
Susceptibility: Fluconazole 34.5 % (106/307), voriconazole 48.5 % (149/307), itraconazole 9.4 %, posaconazole 11.4 %; only 1.3 % were micafungin-NWT and 0 % amphotericin B-NWT. Temporal analysis showed sustained voriconazole-NWT >30 % throughout 12 years.
Microsatellite analysis resolved 118 types; 49 types formed 40 intra-hospital clusters, with six trans-institutional genotypes exhibiting space–time concordance and uniform azole-NWT profiles, indicating cryptic nosocomial transmission.
A pan-Resistant Isolate 15XN272 (MIC values exceeded ECVs for all azoles and echinocandins except amphotericin B) was detected. Genome revealed ERG11triplication plus Y140H & K151R substitutions and FKS1 hotspot F665S mutation. Biofilm biomass was 3.8-fold higher than reference strain ATCC 8168 . Murine survival curve and kidney fungal load were uncompromised.
The Analysis of Ethical Issues in AI-Based Organoid Biobanks
C. Huang, Q. Li, J. Zhou
Children's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
Biospecimen Science: The Construction and Application of a Dual-Layer Theoretical Framework
W. C. Wang
Shanghai Biochip Center (SBC), National Engineering Research Center, Shanghai, China
Scaling Newborn Screening and Biobank Integration for Early Child Health Interventions in South Africa
E. H. Conradie1, I. Du Preez1, W. Lubbe2
1Centre for Human Metabolomics, Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, North-West University, Potchefstroom, NW, South Africa, 2NuMIQ Research Focus Area, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, North-West University, Potchefstroom, NW, South Africa
The GenV Biobank: Powering Biological Research in a Large Longitudinal Cohort of Australian Newborns and Their Parents
R. Saffery, K. Powell, Y. Mangwiro, K. Lange, T. Frugier, A. Fedyukova, J. Mohal, W. Siero, M. Wake
Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Non-invasive rapid collection at recruitment — saliva samples from parents and children.
- Residual clinical samples routinely collected during pregnancy (blood plasma or serum, and Group B Streptococcus[GBS] swabs) or around birth (newborn blood spots).
- Targeted self-collection of biospecimens, including breastmilk and child stool swabs, at specified time points.
The ISBER Mentoring Program, a New Online Resource for Your Biobank Staff
M. Henderson1,2, S. Paul3, J. Giri4, L. Campbell5
1Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 2Education and Training CoP, International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 3CloudLims, Indore, India, 4Independent Consultant, Augusta, Georgia, United States, 5Biobank, The University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
The breadth of knowledge and expertise of ISBER members has been recognized globally in publications and presentations. This expertise is uniquely available locally in our organizations and is an untapped resource to our wider global society.
In 2024, The Mentorship task force launched a pilot for the ISBER Mentoring Program which is designed to connect individuals seeking guidance (Mentees) with experienced volunteer Mentors in the biobanking community who can share their first-hand, practical biobanking knowledge. Engagement is offered at no cost to the ISBER participants and is intended to provide limited, short-term opportunities to learn from experts in human, veterinary, environmental and rare disease biobanking on a variety of topics related to biorepository management, operations, biospecimen collection and processing, policies, and regulations. In addition to an opportunity to contribute to improving biobanking practices around the world, this program will help familiarize mentees with the range of tools provided by ISBER, and with other resources available to biobankers. This presentation will discuss the pilot phase, how to successfully use the program, and the new automation of the registration and matching process. The Mentoring Program is a valuable ISBER tool that can help support your biobank’s long-term sustainability goals through mentorship of your staff and YOU.
Toward a Maturity Model: Foundational Findings for Evaluating Trusted Research Environments in Federated Analytics Networks
J. H. Luong1, Z. Kozlakidis2, T. Beck3
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 2International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, Lyon, France, 3University of Nottingham, Nottingham, England, United Kingdom
Transforming Biobanking Operations: A Case Study on the Integration and Impact of a Fully Automated −80°C Storage System at the MUB Biobank
A. Michalska-Falkowska1,2, D. Juchniewicz1, K. Sargsyan3,2
1Biobank, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Bialymstoku, Bialystok, Podlaskie Voivodeship, Poland, 2International Biobanking and Education, Medizinische Universitat Graz, Graz, Styria, Austria, 3OncoBiobank Shared Resource, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States
We implemented a phased validation protocol including:
Temperature and thermal stability mapping of storage and pick zones Pick/put accuracy (sample retrieval correctness) tests Cross-contamination checks Throughput and latency benchmarking Uptime/reliability monitoring Failure-mode simulations
Operating initially in shadow mode (parallel manual vs. automated) allowed side-by-side comparison. Concurrently, we developed new SOPs, trained staff, and established monitoring dashboards.
A. Mohanty
Centre for Biorepository and Biobanking, HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
The World's Largest Germplasm Resource Bank for Wildlife Has Been Established in Guangdong Chimelong Group
G. Dong
Chimelong Group Co., Guangzhou, China
With decades of in-depth commitment to species conservation, Chimelong Group has pioneered an innovative five-in-one integrated development model: “Endangered Species Conservation + Cutting-edge Scientific Research + Public Science Education + Field Rescue and Reintroduction + Eco-cultural Tourism”. It has established 9 large-scale ex situ wildlife conservation base clusters, successfully conserving more than 150,000 rare wild animals of over 1,200 species from 53 countries. Chimelong ranks first in the world in terms of the number of conserved species, breeding achievements, and the scale of conservation bases. Accumulated a database of 1.25 million wild animal conservation records, established over 1,090 enterprise technical standards, and published over 100 intellectual property rights such as monographs, papers, and authorized patents. In response to the risk of germplasm resource loss, Chimelong Group has taken the lead in constructing an ex situ wildlife germplasm resource repository, breaking through multiple technical bottlenecks and establishing four core technical systems: wildlife semen collection and cryopreservation, isolation, culture and cryopreservation of wildlife mesenchymal stem cells, vitrification cryopreservation of wildlife tissues, and isolation, culture and cryopreservation of wildlife organoids. The repository has realized semen cryopreservation and mesenchymal stem cell extraction & cryopreservation for multiple wild species including the Yangtze finless porpoise, cryopreserved over 10,000 tissue samples from more than 200 wild animal species, completed permanent vitrification preservation of key tissues from over 20 rare wild species such as the Bengal tiger and koala, and constructed 25 tissue organoid models for 8 rare wild animal species. Compared with similar institutions at home and abroad, Chimelong’s ex situ repository features comprehensive taxon coverage and a complete technical system, achieving full-chain coverage of germplasm resources from “collection, preservation to application” and effectively compensating for the limitations of traditional in vivo conservation. In the future, Chimelong will continue to optimize conservation technologies, promote the deep integration of in vivo and in vitro conservation, expand the scope of germplasm resource protection for rare and endangered species, and contribute to the global cause of biodiversity conservation.
Towards an International Ethical Framework for Banking and Secondary Research Use of Human Biospecimens and Associated Data: The Seattle Principles
M. Barnes1, M. Bledsoe2, M. Kusonose3, R.T. Lawlor4, H. Morrin5, A. Schmid6
1Multi-Regional Clinical Trials Center of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard, Boston MA; Ropes & Gray LLP, Boston MA; Yale Law School, New Haven CT, United States, 2Independent Consultant, Colorado Springs CO, United States, 3Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, Yokohama, Japan, 4ARC-Net Cancer Research Centre, University of Verona, Italy; Department of Engineering for Innovative Medicine, University of Verona, Italy; International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories, 5He Taonga Tapu Cancer Society Tissue Bank, University of Otago Christchurch, New Zealand, 6Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.
Viability Cryopreservation of Multiple Types of Tissues via a Novel Vitrification Platform Technology
Y. Tan, S. Zhang, S. Wu, N. Xu, W. Zheng, Z. Zhao, T. Chen
Servare Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Ningbo, China
Biobanks serve as a crucial link between basic research and translational medicine, playing a pivotal role in advancing medical science. However, conventional biobanks primarily rely on preservation techniques such as fast-freezing in liquid nitrogen or paraffin-embedding, which can only conserve biomolecules like nucleic acids and proteins but fail to maintain tissue viability. This limitation renders many valuable clinical samples unsuitable for functional studies. To overcome this challenge, we developed ice-free vitrification methods that enable long-term preservation of diverse living tissues, thereby supporting the establishment of living biobanks to meet critical storage and research needs. In this study, we perfused cryoprotectants into various tissue slices-including mouse lung, liver, kidney, and intestine, as well as human lung cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, cartilage, and organoids-followed by rapid cooling to below -140°C to achieve a glassy state. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed that vitrification effectively suppressed ice crystal formation during both cooling and rewarming. AO/PI staining showed no significant difference in cell viability between rewarmed and fresh tissues. Similarly, the yield of organoids derived from rewarmed tissues was not statistically different from those obtained from fresh tissues. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining revealed no structural differences between vitrified and fresh samples. Moreover, we successfully achieved in situ vitrification of organoids embedded in Matrigel. After rewarming, these organoids retained their original morphology and spatial arrangement, with cell viability comparable to that of the control group. Our approach enables high-quality, long-term storage of viable tissues and organoids, offering a next-generation platform for living biobanks. This work presents a novel strategy for constructing living biobanks and establishes a new paradigm for biomedical research and translational applications.
Innovative Technology
Design and Preliminary Implementation of an AI-Based Intelligent Management System for Biobanks
M. Xu1, J. Jiang2, Q. Wang1, B. Liu1, Y. Gu1, F. Ding1
1Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China, 2Jingwei Zhiyun (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
Requirement Analysis: Evaluated existing QMS, identifying bottlenecks in management processes, roles, equipment, SOP execution, and audits. Knowledge Graphs: Decomposed documents, SOPs, and roles into executable nodes forming a “document–rule–role–process” network. Rule Engine & Task Assignment: NLP and rule extraction converted SOP operations into executable rules linked to roles and process nodes for intelligent task allocation and reminders. Equipment & Data Integration: Connected sensors to capture environmental and operational data, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive alerts. Intelligent Guidance: Audio/video prompts, pop-up alerts, and log recording support proactive quality control. Validation: Simulated operations and pilot tests refined rule coverage and system performance.
D. Kelly
ARK Repository, Taylorsville, Utah, United States
In this exciting project we explore what it takes to setup a virtual repository in order to adapt to the future needs of precision medicine; as the world moves more deeply into digitalizing everything with the power of AI. We are looking at 3 key elements to consider. The methods being used to raise the quality of the biological samples being stored, extracting quality data from these associated samples, as well as ethical and legal requirements to consider. The data associated with the samples (Blood & Saliva) is becoming increasingly much higher in demand. Some of the larger commercial biobanks report that 95% of requests they receive at their biobank is for accessing the data only. ARK team will show the different methods being used to separate the wet lab & cryostorage portion of the business from the dry lab containing computer hardware and data analytics software. We are sequencing Whole Genome and Whole Exome in order to generate the data to be used in future precision medicine projects. Some of the ethical issues identified is that each person has a unique DNA sequence, therefore attempting to anonymize the DNA will still be tied directly to the patient. Legal requirements we consider is having a secure platform that authorized researchers can access only the data that they have consent by the participants to have access to, and they can only use the data to do the type of research that is consented. As we develop better methods to obtain better sample quality for the purposes of generating higher quality data, we can use a digital simulation to determine the best method to use. These virtual repository projects have been essential in helping the newest drug discoveries to be obtainable. Furthermore, integrating AI-driven analytics into the virtual repository enables real-time data processing and predictive modeling, enhancing the speed and accuracy of biomarker identification. By leveraging cloud-based infrastructure, the ARK Repository ensures scalable storage and global accessibility while maintaining robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive genomic information. Preliminary simulations have demonstrated a 30% improvement in data extraction efficiency when using optimized sample preparation protocols. Ultimately, this virtual biobank model paves the way for collaborative international research networks, fostering innovations in personalized therapies and disease prevention strategies.
Bridging the Automation Gap: A Benchmark Review and Modular Approach to Accessible Tube Handling in Biobanking
B. Cortes1, R. Herrera-Garro2, R. Loaiza1, M. Zuniga3, A. Calvo-Vargas2
1Labot, San José, Costa Rica, 2Universidad Cenfotec, San José, Costa Rica, 3Biobank Shared Resource, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, California, United States
Poster Abstracts
Biobank Tools
The Role of a 24/7 Monitoring and Alarm System in Safeguarding a Biobank
S. Lau, C. Or, R. Ma, K. To
The Chinese University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong
Incident 1: A UPS failure during non-operational hours caused the temperature in five connected freezers to rise above the safety threshold. The monitoring system triggered immediate alarms. On-call personnel restored power via the UPS bypass and transferred all biological materials to unaffected freezers within four hours.
Incident 2: A ULT freezer exhibited mildly elevated temperature, though below the formal alarm threshold. Through continuous real-time monitoring over the following 48 hours, personnel proactively decided to relocate all biological materials to a new freezer, ensuring their preservation before a critical temperature was reached.
Automation-Driven Improvements in Biobank Workflow and Data Quality
H. Siu, C. Or, R. Ma, K. To
The Chinese University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong
Sample Preprocessing Integrated Automated Equipment Patent R&D Plan
J. Liu
Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
For the “numbering and code-scanning machine”: Small-character inkjet printer, QR code scanner, one-way robotic arm, laser positioner, sampling tube rack, and tube rack rail. For the “liquid nitrogen storage machine”: Liquid nitrogen storage tank, sample box rack, integral thermal insulation cover, laser positioner, one-way robotic arm, and tube rack rail.
Place the sampling tubes into the sampling tube rack in sequence, and position the tube rack on the tube rack rail of the “numbering and code-scanning machine”. Operate the sample library system to input the name(s), inpatient number(s), and specimen type(s) of one or more cases
The tube rack moves along the rail to the robotic arm. The robotic arm then clamps the sampling tubes in the preset order and moves them past the printer head one by one to complete information printing. Simultaneously, it scans the QR code at the bottom of each sampling tube—two operations are completed in one step. After all sampling tubes on the roboticarm have been printed and scanned, place them into the tube rack of the “liquid nitrogen storage machine”.
The tube rack moves along the rail to the robotic arm, which clamps the sampling tubes and places them into the sample boxes inside the liquid nitrogen storage tank.
Repeat the above operations until all sampling tubes are stored in the tank.
Data-Driven Optimization of Alarm Management in a Biobank Monitoring System
Q. Hou
Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
1. Precision hardware maintenance: A tiered maintenance plan was developed for the top 10 devices with the highest alarm frequency, incorporating predictive maintenance such as compressor performance testing and sensor calibration.
2. Process standardization: Standardized operating procedures were established and comprehensive training was organized for all personnel.
3. Alarm rule restructuring: This included eliminating redundancy by merging duplicate, transient, and non-actionable alarms; adjusting thresholds based on historical data to reduce false alarms; implementing delay mechanisms for non-urgent state changes to prevent alarm flooding; and establishing correlation rules to consolidate multiple alarms caused by the same root cause.
Harmonized Blood Quality Assurance Metrics for Automated Biobanks
C. Climer2, D. Hernandez2, c. Huynh2, V. Ramanujan2,1
1Pathology & laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, California, United States, 2Biobank & Research Pathology, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, California, United States
Construction of Risk Management System in Biobanks of General Hospitals in China
X. Li, H. Sun
Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
Biobanking Profiles
Aier Eye Biobank: A National Distributed Network for Ophthalmic Genetic Resources
M. Li1,2, H. Yu1,2, H. Ma1,2, J. Huang3
1Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China, 2Aier Academy of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 3Xiangya School of Basic Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
High-quality ophthalmic biospecimens and imaging data are essential for advancing basic research, precision medicine, and translational innovation. Aier Eye Hospital Group, a global ophthalmic medical organization operating nearly 1,000 hospitals, eye centers, and research institutions worldwide, possesses abundant clinical resources that provide a strong foundation for ophthalmic research and biobank development.
To integrate and manage these valuable resources, the Aier Eye Biobank was established in 2023 as a cornerstone platform to promote ophthalmic precision medicine and translational research. The biobank follows a strategy of distributed design, standardized management, and digital integration. It consists of a central biobank in Changsha and multiple regional stations in major Chinese medical hubs, including Wuhan, Beijing, Tianjin, Shenyang, and other key cities. This structure ensures nationwide interoperability, data traceability, and strict privacy protection through seamless integration with Aier’s proprietary hospital information systems (AHIS, ALIS, and AEMR).
The Changsha Central Biobank serves as the network’s pilot and demonstration site. In 2024, it launched the Clinical Discarded Sample Collection and Preservation Program to ethically recover and preserve surgical tissues and residual diagnostic specimens that would otherwise be discarded, establishing a standardized workflow replicable across disease-specific biobanks in the Aier network. Since its inception, the biobank has preserved nearly 40 categories of ophthalmic research samples, including retinal diseases, glaucoma, ocular surface disorders, orbital tumors, and hereditary eye diseases. Through multi-center collaboration and digital governance, it has built a nationwide, traceable, and shareable biological resource system that integrates biospecimens, clinical data, and imaging information, supporting mechanistic studies, biomarker discovery, diagnostic innovation, and national blindness prevention.
As China’s first distributed ophthalmic biobank dedicated to human genetic resources, the Aier Eye Biobank represents a major milestone in the country’s research infrastructure. Aier will continue to expand its “one biobank, multiple stations” model, strengthen collaborations with research institutions, and promote open, high-quality data sharing to accelerate ophthalmic innovation, advance precision medicine, and contribute to global vision health.
Australasian Biospecimen Network Association: Building A Network to Promote Outreach and Empower Research Innovation
L. E. Ludlow1,5, C. Griffin1,2, A. Hettiaratchi1,3, G. Reaiche Miller1,4
1Australasian Biospecimen Network Association (ABNA), Parkville, Victoria, Australia, 2NSW Regional Biospecimen and Research Services, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, 3UNSW Biospecimen Services, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 4Adelaide Biobank, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, 5Children’s Cancer Centre Biobank, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
In parallel, ABNA continues to play a pivotal role in empowering research innovations by shaping the national biobanking landscape. Collaborating with CSIRO and Phenomics Australia, ABNA is developing an economic analysis report to inform government policy and support the inclusion of biobanking and collections in the National Research Infrastructure Roadmap. Through these efforts, ABNA is positioning itself as the national body representing biobanking and biospecimen science, ensuring the value of this critical research infrastructure is recognised and supported at the highest level.
Balancing Scientific Utilization and Biosafety: Management Protocols for a Hospital-Based MDR Bacteria & Bacteriophage Resource Biobank
W. Zhang, J. Fan, J. Yan, Z. Chen, M. Wang
Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Biobank Performance and Research Alignment at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center: A Five-Year Institutional Audit (2020–2024)
B. Liu, Q. Wang, W. Jing, Q. Hou, S. Xiong, g. qin, Y. Gu, F. Ding, M. Sun, M. Xu
Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
Totals: 263,424 incoming and 63,970 outgoing samples (usage rate 24.28%).
Inventory leaders: Breast Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, and Urology contributed the largest inflows, reflecting strong clinical accrual and engagement with the biobank.
Colorectal Surgery: Usage rate 54.02%, 29 NSFC projects, 66 distribution requests—evidence of high demand and active utilization.
Pancreatic Surgery: Usage rate 20.62% yet 42 NSFC projects—substantial research activity relative to distribution volume, suggesting potential value in targeted expansion of collection.
Urology: 35,754 samples in inventory; usage rate 30.29%—large stock with room to improve circulation efficiency and reduce potential idle capacity.
Building a TCM-Featured, AI-powered Biobank by Integrating Samples and Digital Data as Bioresources for Standardized Research and Clinical Translation
Z. Zhao1,2, H. Deng1,2, S. Kong1,2, G. Xiao1,2, S. Gao1,2, S. Xu1,2
1BioResource Research Institute, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China, 2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
Construction and Management of Women and Children Biobank in Fujian Province, China
X. Wang, A. Lin
Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
The construction of women and children biobank has a great significance to the analysis and research of women and child-related diseases. In line with its strategic development goals, the biobank at Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital is developing a regional biobank designed to cover full life circle, from gestation to developmental stages (infancy, childhood, adolescence) and into adulthood, in order to attract more exchanges and cooperation between units, and jointly contribute to the prevention and treatment of women and children-related diseases, especially major characteristic diseases.
The biobank integrates natural pregnancy, assisted reproduction, and major disease resources to build a women and children’s resource platform with Fujian regional characteristics. The biobank has collected about 60,000 samples (over 1.3 million tubes) from 13 projects, including birth and gynecological tumor cohorts, covering blood, urine, cord blood, placenta, and tumor tissues. The platform has supported 6 software copyrights, 10 patent applications (3 authorized), and contributed to 6 local/group standards. Over 100 related articles have been published in journals such as “npj Digital Medicine” and “Cell Death & Disease”. The biobank also led the establishment of two specialized committees at both the national and provincial levels and conducted more than 10 training sessions. It supported various projects and multiple provincial and ministerial platforms, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's Real-World Data Application Platform, Fujian Provincial Clinical Medical Research Center, Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center, Fujian-Taiwan Cooperation Base, and Provincial Key Clinical Specialty projects.
Construction of Biobank in Xi’an People’s Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital)
Z. Zhang
Xi'an People's Hospital Biobank, Xi’an, China
Our hospital is a comprehensive medical institution renowned in Northwest China for its distinct specialties in Ophthalmology and Gynecology, which provides a rich source of unique and valuable clinical samples. The Biobank systematically collects these distinctive samples according to strict SOPs to capitalize on this clinical advantage.
The biobank prioritizes sample utilization, adheres to legal and ethical standards, drives scientific research, facilitates translational outcomes, and promotes collaborative benefits. Through the development of an integrated “three-library system” comprising the Wet Bank, Dry Bank, and Live Bank, the biobank has established a digital intelligent system that integrates biological sample management, data information management, and multi-omics data analysis, driving sustainable development in sample science through data-driven methodologies. For data management, the guiding principle must make data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. Currently, biobank is in the nascent stages of development and remains heavily reliant on specialized funding from host institutions, such as hospital-specific grants or direct subsidies, to cover initial setup and core operational costs.
Harmonization Process of the Fiocruz Biobank Network
S. G. Benevenuto, D. Sertorio, S. Senna, M. Siqueira, A. Daher, T. Amaral
Vice-Presidency of Research and Biological Collections, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Impact of Alcohol Type on FFPE Block Quality for Immunohistochemistry
S. K. Ayillath, A. Sunilkumar, A. Ansar, R. K. Ramakrishnan, A. Balakrishnan, N. Nambiar, A. Krishnan, S. Puthenveetil, M. M. Pothankulankara, R. M. Kumar, S. M. Namboothiri, G. Achuvath, D. Pradsan
64 Codon Pvt. Ltd., Kochin, India
The Biobank of Shenzhen Third People's Hospital
H. Wang
National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
The Biobank of Shenzhen Third People's Hospital (BSTPH), founded in 2018, functions as a crucial resource facilitating the progress of medical science and the improvement of clinical care. It has constructed comprehensive fundamental frameworks that include organizational structures, biopreservation management systems, and standardized operating procedures.
In 2022, BSTPH procured the administrative license for the preservation of human genetic resources from the China National Center for Biotechnology Development. This certification emphasizes BSTPH's adherence to ethical norms and regulatory directives, enhancing its credibility as a reliable repository for genetic and translational research. BSTPH encompasses a storage area of approximately 600 square meters. Its core infrastructure consists of forty ultra - low temperature freezers, eight vapor - phase liquid nitrogen tanks, thirty - six liquid - phase liquid nitrogen tanks, one automated freezer system, and one automated liquid nitrogen storage system. Collectively, these facilities provide a total storage capacity of up to 6 million samples.
The principal specimen type stored is peripheral blood, which undergoes processing and cryopreservation in the forms of plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The current sample collections of BSTPH primarily concentrate on infectious diseases, encompassing the following:
Follow - up cohorts of COVID - 19 convalescents;
Follow - up cohorts of patients suffering from liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and acute/chronic hepatitis;
Follow - up cohorts of confirmed tuberculosis patients and individuals with latent tuberculosis infection;
Follow - up cohorts of HIV - infected patients;
Follow - up cohorts of MPXV - infected patients;
Patients with other conditions, including colorectal cancer and lymphoma.
Furthermore, samples obtained from healthy donors are preserved as crucial controls for comparative research.
All samples have obtained ethical approval and are accompanied by comprehensive clinical data and follow - up information. We sincerely invite domestic and international research institutions, biomedical researchers, and clinical teams to participate in sample - sharing collaborations.
The Children’s Cancer Centre Biobank – A Catalyst for Collaboration
L. E. Ludlow1,2, R. Conyers1,2
1Cancer Therapies, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia, 2Children’s Cancer Centre, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
The Construction and Application of TianTan Biobanks in Precision Medicine Research for Cerebrovascular Diseases
J. Lin, S. Li, X. Meng, Y. Wang
China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China
Develop biological sample collection standards for multicenter cerebrovascular clinical research via top-level design.
Set up a sample management team for multicenter projects, with dedicated roles (technical, quality control, logistics) and clear responsibilities.
Formulate SOPs for sample collection, processing, and transportation; train sub-center technicians via lectures, documents, and videos.
Procure national standard-compliant reagents/consumables and distribute them uniformly to sub-centers.
Plan sample transportation and entrust professional cold-chain companies.
Use clinical data management system and sample management system to match samples with clinical data and enable precise location management.
The collected biological samples have been applied to the multi-omics analysis of cerebrovascular diseases. Among them, the results of CYP2C19 gene polymorphism study based on CHANCE study were published in JAMA, and the CHANCE2 study, the first pharmacogenomic-driven phase 3 clinical trial of cerebrovascular disease, was launched. It was confirmed that rapid screening of CYP2C19 genotype can guide the precise and individualized treatment of clinical antiplatelet drugs. This means that the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases has entered a new era of “precise double antibodies”.
Biobank Network in Japan to Accelerate Progress Towards Genomic Medicine
S. Ogishima1, K. Matsuda2, T. Morisaki2, Y. Asano3, M. Morita4, M. Yoshida5, K. Muto2, M. Muto6, T. Tanaka5, H. Nishimura7, H. Matsuoka8, T. Kosho12, H. Nishihara9, H. Nakae10, J. Ikeda11, H. Yokota1, K. Ohneda1, K. Noguchi1, S. Nagaie1, F. Nagami1, T. Takagi13
1Tohoku Medical Megeabank Organization, Tohoku Daigaku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, 2Tokyo Daigaku, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan, 3Kokuritsu Junkankibyo Kenkyu Center Byoin, Suita, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, 4Okayama Daigaku, Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, Japan, 5Tokyo Kagaku Daigaku Innovation Jinzai Yosei Kiko, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan, 6Kyoto Daigaku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, 7Tsukuba Daigaku, Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, 8Kobe Daigaku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, 9Keio Gijuku Daigaku, Minato, Tokyo, Japan, 10CIBER, Tokyo, Japan, 11CIBER, Tokyo, Japan, 12Shinshu Daigaku, Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, 13Toyama Kokusai Daigaku, Toyama, Toyama Prefecture, Japan
In Japan, the Government has drawn up a health and medical strategy for genomic medicine as the national growth strategy, and research and development to realize genomic medicine including drug development utilizing biobanks is being promoted. A programme for the utilization of biobanks called B-cure (Biobank - Construction and Utilization biobank for genomic medicine Realization) is currently underway to realize genomic medicine. In the B-cure programme, we developed a network of 14 major biobanks and a system for utilizing biobank samples and data that will facilitate research and development of genomic medicine in Japan. We then developed a biobank cross search system on biospecimen and data stored in our biobank network. Research institutions can find biospecimens and data they need for their own genomic medicine research and development. To implement a cross-search service for biospecimens and data, we standardized the metadata of biospecimen and data. Now our biobank network stores 1,933,000 biospecimen and 330,000 molecular data provided by 700,000 donors. We also setup the web-based coordination system of fast access to biospecimen and data to meet the requests by academic/commercial users using the biobank cross-search system. Our biobank network provides essential infrastructures for different types of health research including basic medical science to accelerate progress towards personalized medicine. We are addressing drawing up an ecosystem of stakeholders to realize personalized medicine and discussing how to maintain and develop this infrastructure along with the health and health care strategy in Japan.
Biobanking Structures & Cross-sector Partnerships
Advancing Reference Standards and Countermeasures for Pandemic Response: Development of Lessons Learned from the Biospecimen Sourcing Initiative
H. Storey1, R. Peck1, E. Emad1, A. Gaius-Obaseki1, J. Cohen1, J. Kealy2, P. Spencer2, V. Bernasconi2, S. Avumegah2
1Seattle USA, PATH, Seattle, Washington, United States, 2Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, London, United Kingdom
High-quality reagents, reference materials, and standards are crucial for developing effective diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics by supporting research on biomarker validation, diagnostic innovation, and vaccine target identification. These resources are needed at the outset of product development but can be slow to source and verify, especially for novel pathogens that affect vulnerable populations, increasing the urgency of providing reference materials for product development. Safety, security, legal issues, mistrust, and limited cooperation can delay the process from disease detection to critical diagnostics and vaccinations. To address this, a pre-positioned global resource is needed with clear procedures to efficiently source, verify, archive, and distribute biospecimens in response to new diseases.
Supported by CEPI, the Biospecimen Sourcing Initiative (BSI) is designed to address this need by establishing an efficient system for the rapid deployment of biospecimen collection. The initiative emphasizes transparent procedures, collaboration among partners, and fosters respectful relationships with communities that are engaged early and throughout the biobanking process. Its main goal is to facilitate the development of reference standards and countermeasures that support the 100 Days Mission. To develop the BSI, subject matter experts, key stakeholders, and thought leaders were engaged to design a governance framework that defined guiding principles and standards for the repository network. A library of guidance documents was developed and validated as a global resource by leveraging existing materials and creating new ones as needed, that detail processes and procedures to operationalize the BSI. Best practices for appropriate and applicable quality systems were defined to meet key standards for the use of biospecimens in product development. Finally, setup of the BSI was repeatedly evaluated through simulated scenarios and user insight gathering, to continually improve along the way.
At ISBER 2026, the BSI team will share findings from the development of the document library and lessons learned from the simulated evaluations. This research will contribute to having rapidly deployable specimen collection systems that can be quickly utilized and work alongside existing networks. It will also strengthen regional preparedness for vaccines and diagnostics development, ultimately advancing scientific progress and supporting equitable decision making.
A Lean Biobank for Pandemic Response: Maximizing Research Utility via Case-Ascertained Enrollment in the VALIDO Study
B. Cortes1,2, D. Ugalde-Araya2, R. Loaiza1, C. Porras2, F. Rodriguez3
1Labot Biobank, San Jose, Costa Rica, 2Agencia Costarricense de Investigaciones Biomédicas (ACIB-FUNIN), San José, Costa Rica, 3Hospital Internacional La Catolica, San José, Costa Rica
Balancing Value Realization and Risk Governance: A Fine-Graded Management Framework for Biospecimen
X. Li1, Y. Yi1, H. Wu1, H. Luo1, X. Huang2, H. Bao3
1Biobank, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China, 2Clinical Trial Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China, 3Science and Technology Division, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
Biobank Driven Approach to Elucidation of Health and Disease Drivers in African Populations: BioAtlas Case Study
J. Popoola
BioVana Research, Lagos, Nigeria
Biosafety Management of Infectious Samples in a Comprehensive Hospital Biobank
G. Liu, C. Liu, H. Jiang, Y. Ji, J. Wu
Huashan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Bridging the Gap: Established Biobanks as Catalysts for Emerging Initiatives
K. Asghar1, A. Farooq1, L. Hannigan2, F. Kafood2, I. Ahmed1
1Reserach Center, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, 2Qatar Foundation, Doha, Doha, Qatar
Cedars-Sinai OncoBiobank as Shared Resource: Challenges and Opportunities
D. Marino1, M. Zuniga1, N. Dagliyan1, D. Pope1, G. Namasivayam2, H. Hong2, G. Dagliyan2, W. Tourtellotte2,4, K. Sargsyan1,3
1OncoBiobank Shared Resource, Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States, 2Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States, 3F. Widjaja Inflammatory Bowel Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States, 4Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Neurology, Neurosurgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States
From Biological Memory to the Science of the Future: The Legacy of the IRESSEF Biobank
S. Ndoye
Biobanque, Institute for Health Research, Epidemiological Surveillance and Training (IRESSEF), Dakar, Senegal
From Vision to Reality: Challenges in Developing Biobanking Capacity in Pakistan
A. Farooq, I. Aleem, R. Chaudhary, M. Hassan, K. Asghar, I. Ahmed
Research Center, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
We have also established a formal collaboration with Qatar Precision Health Institute, Qatar Biobank to facilitate knowledge exchange and technical support. Despite administrative and procurement hurdles, we have successfully initiated the acquisition of essential equipment and infrastructure for the biobank facility; an effort that has taken nearly two years to reach the current stage.
Strengthening Thailand’s Cancer Research Ecosystem: A Decade of the Ramathibodi Comprehensive Tumor Biobank
N. Jinawath1, T. Thanomchard2, C. Wongkasa2, C. Songpatanasilp2, S. Wanamkang2, N. Singhto2, E. Sirachainan3
1Program in Translational Medicine, Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, 2Ramathibodi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, 3Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medicine, Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Thailand. Molecular research has become a key driver of advances in targeted therapy, liquid biopsy, and immuno-oncology, thereby improving cancer diagnosis and treatment. Such research requires high-quality biospecimens and associated clinical data; however, these resources have been limited in Thailand. To address this need, the Ramathibodi Comprehensive Tumor Biobank (RCTB) was established in 2012 under the Ramathibodi Comprehensive Cancer Center (RCCC), Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University—the first centrally managed biobank in the country. RCTB systematically collects and stores fresh frozen tumor tissues, blood, and related biospecimens linked to de-identified clinical data, in compliance with the Thai Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Its objectives include supporting molecular cancer research, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, advancing postgraduate education in translational medicine, and developing patient-derived organoids (PDOs) for drug screening and in-depth research. Currently, RCTB houses over 45,000 biospecimens from more than 4,500 cancer patients and maintains a unique PDO library for cancers such as breast, colorectal, retinoblastoma, and head and neck. Since 2020, RCTB has expanded into a multi-center biobank, collaborating with the National Cancer Institute and Prasat Neurological Institute. In 2022, it launched the Thailand Biobanking Network, partnering with regional medical centers nationwide to promote biobanking knowledge and capacity building. In 2024, RCTB became the first biobank in Thailand to achieve ISO 20387:2018 accreditation, underscoring its commitment to biospecimen quality and ethical governance. It also developed the patented Ramathibodi Tumor Biobank Software to support multicenter operations and clinical trial specimen management. In collaboration with the Division of Proficiency Testing, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, RCTB initiated Thailand’s first pilot study for ISO 17043-accredited human biospecimen proficiency testing, establishing national standards for biospecimen quality. Through these initiatives, RCTB advances cancer research, education, and clinical translation while promoting national self-sustainability, research excellence, and international collaboration in precision oncology.
BCNet: The Way Forward— Education, Digitalisation and Regional Collaboration for a Resilient Global Biobanking Ecosystem
M. Henderson2, E. Caboux1, R. Lawlor3, I. Cheong4, A. Samir5, D. L. Garcia6, Z. Kozlakidis1
1Laboratory Services and Biobanking, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France, 2National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 3Universita degli Studi di Verona ARC-NET, Verona, Veneto, Italy, 4Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, Shanghai, China, 5National Cancer Institute, Cairo, Egypt, 6Independent Consultant, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) Biobank and Histopathology Services (BHS): Enabling Research Through Strategic Support
V. Ma, A. Leung
Biobank & Histopathology Services, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), Hong Kong
Storage & Infrastructure Support: BHS offers cost-effective access to high-quality storage systems, eliminating the need for startups to invest in expensive equipment or specialized laboratory spaces.
Expert Guidance & Workflow Support: BHS provides structured consultation, clear service pathways, and transparent documentation to help research teams navigate sample requirements, staining methods, and processing procedures efficiently.
Biodiversity/Environmental/Animal Repositories
Challenges in Developing Ethics-Based and Species-Specific Frameworks for Ensuring Integrity in Live Animal Biobanking
S. Choe1, M. Ko1, K. Lee2, W. Yoon2, M. Lee2, A. Song2, K. Nam2, J. Huh1
1Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea, 2Laboratory Animal Resource & Research Center (LARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea
Veterinary Biorepository: Importance of Standardization, Biosafety, Biosecurity, and Data Management
P. Johnston
Vaccine development and diagnostics, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Veterinary Biorepositories provide biological samples that enable researchers to comprehend animal disease, create novel diagnostics and integrate molecular genetic information into livestock breeding programs. The primary functions of veterinary biorepositories include collecting, analysing, preserving, and storing biological samples as well as granting access to them. Biorepositories must guarantee proper sample and data quality, legal and ethical compliance, as well as transparent and efficient access processes. Unfortunately, the absence of standards consistent with best practices and the required infrastructure is a considerable barrier to sample reliability and reproducibility. Recently, the Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR) established a biorepository with the aim of providing a secure facility for processing, storage and maintenance of quality biological samples within the campus. The biological samples at the ARC-OVR must be stored properly and safely with a careful view to maintaining sample integrity over lengthy periods of time (around 30 years). Hence, ARC-OVR focused on the following key areas: sample type, data recording, quality management system, biosafety, biosecurity, and personnel. Several challenges were experienced; the infrastructure does not meet the requirements due to number of security issues. Resources are limited, mainly in terms of reliable power and internet connectivity. The lifespan of freezer compressors and other equipment is shortened by power outages, and the cost of fuel to run the backup generators fluctuates, adding to the operating costs. Obtaining the required equipment and supplies for laboratories can be expensive and time-consuming as sources of funding are often constrained by shifting economic objectives. Lastly, maintaining a strict ethical division between biological materials gathered for “commercial” programs and those obtained for “open collections” is a source of concern. Biorepositories must guarantee sample and data quality, legal and ethical compliance, as well as open (where possible) and transparent access methods. A more effective approach would be to build a specialized, high quality, and access-controlled infrastructure. Such a biorepository would use the knowledge of the past decades and lessons from other biorepositories to provide well-formulated guidance, collaborate on national and international research efforts, and contribute to global security.
Genomic Insights into Environmental Hafnia paralvei Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence
L. E. Chenhaka
Microbiology, North-West University, Potchefstroom, North West, South Africa
H. paralvei is increasingly recognised as an emerging opportunistic pathogen associated with invasive infections, including bacteraemia and pneumonia, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Environmental reservoirs such as water play a critical role in the evolution and dissemination of clinically relevant resistance traits. In this study, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to characterise resistance determinants and virulence factors across four isolates. Key antimicrobial resistance genes, including blaNDM and blaTEM, were identified, alongside virulence-associated genes implicated in adhesion, immune evasion, and persistence. Notably, strain S28 demonstrated unique resistance to carbapenems, suggesting distinct adaptive mechanisms potentially driven by environmental selective pressures. Substantial genetic heterogeneity was observed among the isolates, with variable susceptibility to clinically important antibiotics, including the intrinsic colistin resistance pattern. These findings suggest the importance of systematic environmental surveillance and the biobanking of aquatic bacterial isolates to support longitudinal genomic analyses. Such efforts are essential for tracking the emergence, evolution, and dissemination of resistance and virulence traits. Further functional studies are warranted to elucidate the pathogenic roles of the identified genes. The study also supports the exploration of alternative mitigation strategies, including phage therapy and phytotherapy, to address multidrug-resistant strains. Overall, this work aligns with the One Health framework and supports the value of integrated biobanking and genomic approaches in managing emerging environmental pathogens.
Biospecimen Research, Science, and Outputs
Comprehensive Human Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteome and Lipidome Profiles Cross Approximately 70-year Lifespan Uncover Brain Aging Trajectories and Features
H. Sun
Clinical Biobank Center, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Effect of Cryopreservation Time on DNA Quality from Buffy Coat Samples
J. Gao1,2, J. Ma1,2, X. Zhang1,2
1Cardiovascular Institute, Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin, China, 2Biobank, Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin, China
Effect of Different RNA Preservatives and Delayed Preservation Time on the Quality of Tissue RNA
T. Xie, H. Zhu, X. Wang, D. Guo
Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
High-quality RNA, essential for precise and reliable gene expression analysis, is contingent upon excellent tissue preparation and handling. As such, most Biobanks have established individual standardized procedures for collecting diverse tissue specimens. Nevertheless, the optimal method for preserving tissues after surgical resection remains not feasible due to delayed delivery or lack of cold storage equipment. Furthermore, RNAlater has been extensively adopted for tissue preservation in biomedical research. However, few studies have systematically investigated the effects of various tissue preservation solutions and post-collection intervals on RNA integrity across different tissues.
In this study, ten mouse organs and tissues representing common human tissues in biobanks were preserved with different RNA preservatives and delayed time, then RNA was extracted and the RNA integrity were evaluated. The sectioned tissues were either flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen as control or submerged in one of three RNA preservatives—Trizol and two commercial RNAlater solutions (Invitrogen and Sigma)—and stored at room temperature (RT) for 0, 4, or 8 hours before frozen. Total RNA was extracted using the traditional Trizol method, and its integrity was quantified by the RNA Integrity Number (RIN) value obtained via microcapillary electrophoresis.
Our results demonstrate that both the delayed preservation time and use of RNA preservative significantly impact RNA integrity. Pancreatic RNA showed the poorest integrity (RIN < 5.5), while heart and ovary samples yielded high-quality RNA (RIN > 7) without any preservative at RT for 8h. For optimal results, tissues including the brain, kidney, muscle, liver, intestine, and uterus should be immersed in preservative and frozen within 8 hours to maintain the basic RNA integrity (RIN > 5.5). Whereas lung tissue stored in RNAlater has a maximum storage period of 4 hours prior to cryopreservation at RT.
Consistent with previous reports, delayed preservation time has a negative correlation with RNA integrity for most tissue species. Our results indicate that robust, high-quality RNA can be obtained from most mouse tissues held in RNA preservatives for up to 8 hours, with only minor variations observed among the different preservatives tested. This study provides guidance for the development of detailed and standardized operating procedures for various types of tissues in clinical biobanks.
Effects of the Delay in Ischemia Timing on Protein L-Lactylation in Tumors
Y. Li
Biological Sample Resource Sharing Center, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
Protein lysine l-lactylation are critical for understanding pathway activity and molecular pathophysiology in diseases such as cancer, offering biological insights that can inform drug discovery, diagnostic development, and therapeutic strategies. However, analyzed tissues are typically collected without strict control or documentation of ischemic time. To evaluate the impact of ischemia, we collected human colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma tissues without vascular interruption and performed quantitative proteomics and lactylomics after defined ischemic intervals. Experimental results showed that the level of pan-lactylation increases over time. Furthermore, we investigated the factors influencing the dynamics of lactylation. Our results indicate that prolonged ischemia time leads to the accumulation of lactic acid, which in turn affects post-translational modifications, including lactylation, and consequently influences epigenetic regulation. Our findings demonstrate that pre-analytical ischemia significantly impacts tumor biology, necessitating caution in interpreting lactylation-driven pathway activation and motivating a reexamination of tissue collection protocols for lactylomic analysis.
Establishing a High-Quality, Large-Scale Specialized Biobank for Cardio-Thoracic Diseases: Experience from Tianjin Chest Hospital, China
J. Gao1,2, J. Ma1,2, X. Zhang1,2
1Cardiovascular Institute, Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin, China, 2Tianjin Chest Hospital Biobank, Tianjin, China
Establishing a Tumor Biobank Enhanced by Digital Pathology and A.I. In Developing Countries: CNC Pathlab Case Study
A. Saini1, D. Kumar2, D. Sharma3, D. Bawari1, P. D. Roy1
1Pathology, CNC Pathlab, Delhi, India, 2Pathology, Primus Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi, India, 3Pathology, Smart Salem, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Evaluating the Life Cycle of Acute Leukemia Mononuclear Cells: A Model from Pakistan
N. Jawaid1, F. Naseer2, S. Hussain3, A. Fatima3, D. Kumar3, J. Aijaz1,3
1Biorepository, Indus Hospital & Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan, 2Molecular Pathology, Indus Hospital & Health Network, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan, 3Molecular Research, Indus Hospital & Health Network, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Impact of Freezer Storage Duration on the Diagnostic Performance of Plasma p-tau181 and p-tau217 in Differentiating Clinical Stages of Alzheimer's Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
L. Zhao, Y. Cai
Department of Clinical Biobank, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
Implementing an Autopsy Program: A Multidisciplinary Approach in HIV and Cancer Research
L. O. Amorim1,2, I. de Souza1,2, V. M. da Costa1, I. F. Bomfim1, I. C. Soares1, L. Lopes Silva Scholte3, S. I. dos Santos1,2, E. S. Miazima1,2, A. D. de Souza1, K. H. de Oliveira1, C. M. Venchiarutti Moniz1, M. Uno1,2, K. Y. Ibrahim1, J. M. Bethony3, R. Chammas1,2, A. A. Cotrim Segurado4, E. S. de Mello1,4
1Center for Translational Research in Oncology (LIM24), Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil, 2Comprehensive Center for Precision Oncology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, 3Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States, 4Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Investigation into the Quality and Integrity of Stored Biospecimen at the Biobank of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS)
B. Duma
Biobank, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
In Vivo Comparison of the Anti-snake Venom Activity of the Honey-derived Phenolics and Polyvalent Antivenom
A. Khan1,2
1Biotechnology, International Islamic University Islamabad, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan, 2Sera Laboratory, National Institute of Health Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
The WHO declared snakebite as neglected tropical disease. Though the exact number of snakebite cases is not known but estimated results showed that 5.4 million people are bitten by snakes worldwide each year and 2.7million envenoming occur. Around 81,000 to 138, 000 deaths occur every year globally by snakebite envenoming and three times more amputations occur along with many other disabilities annually. There is immense struggle is required to counter this issue. This study focuses on snakebite envenomation to reduce its effects. The honey derived phenolics proved their anti-snake venom potential. The partial characterization of venom was done by SDS-PAGE to find possible toxin peptides in cobra snake venom. Three types of proteins identified in snake venom. The partial characterization of antivenom was done by microscopy and MIC of phenol (m-cresol) was determined to measure its concentration for use as preservative in antivenom. The ideal concentration was 16% for phenol (m-cresol). The characterization of Saudi and Kashmir honey was done to emphasize their potential role to limit snakebite envenomation. The physiochemical analysis including pollen analysis, HMF presence, ash, moisture, pH, color, sucrose and reducing sugars were analyzed. Microscopy showed multi floral nature of both samples including 13 different types of pollens. The total phenol content (TPC) of Saudi honey was 8.6 mg GAE/100g of dry extract whereas, Kashmir honey was 8.3 mg GAE/100g of dry extract. The phenolics presence also analyzed by HPLC. The in vivo results were very significant. All the albino mice (male& female) were survived and survival rate was 100%. In conclusion, this study opens door for research to emphasize, phenolics activity against other venom toxic peptides and maybe helpful in production of anti-snake venom drugs as adjuvant with antivenom and, can play a key role to counter snakebite issue. This study also helps to improve affectivity of globally available antivenom products.
Mechanistic Study of Bruceantin-Induced Apoptosis in HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Inhibition of the HBx/c-Myc/RPL27A Axis Supported by Biobank Resources
J. Huang1, B. Islam1, H. Yu2
1Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Xiangya School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 2Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China
Multiplexed Antibody-Panel Based Quality Control Workflow for Biobanked Tissues
Y. Zhang2, A. Laguna2, H. Reid2, c. Huynh2, V. Ramanujan2,1
1Pathology & laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, California, United States, 2Biobank & Research Pathology, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, California, United States
Optimized Protocol for Isolation and Characterization of Tumor-Educated Platelets for Liquid Biopsy Applications
I. de Souza1,2, M. Ferreira Alves1,2, L. O. Amorim1,2, E. S. Miazima1,2, J. M. Bethony3, A. A. Cotrim Segurado4, L. Lopes Silva Scholte3, R. Chammas1,2, M. Uno1,2
1Center for Translational Research in Oncology, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil, 2Comprehensive Center for Precision Oncology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, 3Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States, 4Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Optimizing RNA Quality in Cryopreserved Tissues without Preservatives: Impact of Preservatives, Thawing Methods and Tissue Aliquot Sizes
K. Qian
Biological repositories, Zhongnan hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Preserving Precision: Tailored Biobanking Strategies for Infectious Disease Specimens and Associated Clinical Annotations
C. Xia1, X. Liao1, S. Yang1, F. Cheng1, B. Guan2, Y. Chen1
1Biobank, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China, 2Nursing Department, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China
Quality Control of Distributed Biospecimens: A Two-Year Audit Linking Sample-Level QC to Clinical Metadata in a Colorectal Cancer Biobank
y. Gu, M. Xu, M. Sun, g. qin, B. Liu, Q. Wang, W. Jing, F. Ding, Q. Hou, S. Xiong
Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
Significant Enhancement of Yield and Purity in Genomic DNA Extraction from Peripheral Blood Using an Optimized Magnetic Bead-Based Elution Protocol
F. Ding
Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
Systematic Impact of Repeated Freeze–Thaw Cycles on Pancreatic Cancer Tissue Quality: RNA Vulnerability and Histomorphological Changes
G. Qin, Q. Wang, W. Jing, B. Liu, Y. Gu, F. Ding, Q. Hou, S. Xiong, M. Sun, M. Xu
Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
(1) RNA stability: In PC, A260/230 significantly declined after FT (p<0.05), while CRC and OC showed no significant change. RIN values indicated more pronounced RNA degradation in PC versus CRC and OC (both p<0.05).
(2) DNA stability: Across all cancer types, DIN and A260/280 and A260/230 for DNA were not significantly affected by FT (p>0.05).
(3) Histomorphology: FT induced structural disruption in all tissues; however, PC exhibited more prominent nuclear pyknosis and fragmentation on H&E.
The Epigenetic Mechanism by which GATAD2A Degradation Sustains KRAS Expression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
M. Zhang
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
The Real-world Construction of an Information Management Practice for a Research-oriented Biobank
Q. Q. Zhang
Dalian Public Health Clinical Center, Dalian, Liaoning, China
The Role and Management Practices of Biobank in the Development of an Integrated Artificial Intelligence-Driven Information Platform for Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
J. GAO1,2, J. Ma1,2, X. Zhang1,2, X. Li3, D. Sun3
1Cardiovascular Institute, Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin, China, 2Tianjin Chest Hospital Biobank, Tianjin, China, 3Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin, China
Thymosin Beta 10 Promotes Cancer Stemness and Malignant Progression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
X. Zhao, W. Chen
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
Uncovering the Translational Landscape of Ovarian Cancer: Insights from Profiling of Clinical Biospecimens
Y. Chen, D. Lu, Y. Xing, J. He, S. Zhang, X. Wang, M. Li, Y. Wang, Y. Gao, A. Wang, K. Zhao, Z. Zhang, D. Guo, J. Sun
Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
Integrated Serum Metabolomics Reveal Distinct Metabolic Reprogramming and a Novel Diagnostic Classifier in Colorectal Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma
S. Hu1, Q. Li1, X. Zhang2, H. Ma3, W. Chen3
1Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China, 2Digital Diagnosis and Treatment Innovation Center for Cancer, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China, 3Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
Colorectal signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is a rare, aggressive subtype with poor prognosis and limited non-invasive diagnostic options. Unlike conventional adenocarcinoma, the metabolic landscape of SRCC remains poorly defined. This study aimed to characterize SRCC-specific serum metabolic alterations and develop a robust diagnostic model. We performed targeted metabolomics on 400 serum samples, including 180 SRCC patients, 120 adenocarcinoma patients, and 100 healthy controls. Differential analysis revealed a unique metabolic phenotype in SRCC distinct from adenocarcinoma. Key findings included the significant accumulation of isobutyrylglycine, indicating impaired branched-chain amino acid catabolism and mitochondrial β-oxidation defects. Additionally, elevated glutamate levels and enriched arginine biosynthesis pathways suggested enhanced glutamine utilization to fuel the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. To translate these insights into clinical practice, we employed LASSO regression and Recursive Feature Elimination to identify a diagnostic panel of five metabolites: L-arginine, inosine, guanosine, L-aspartic acid, and phosphorylcholine. Among machine learning algorithms, a Random Forest classifier demonstrated superior performance, achieving an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.998 in the discovery cohort. Importantly, the model was validated in an independent external cohort (n=102), maintaining exceptional accuracy with an AUC of 0.996, sensitivity of 88.9%, and specificity of 100.0%. These findings uncover specific metabolic vulnerabilities in SRCC and establish a highly accurate, non-invasive serological tool for early detection.
Simple and Efficient Methods for Extracting High Quality and Quantity of High-Molecular-Weight Genomic DNA from Archived Frozen Tissues
S. Zhang, W. Li, H. Peng, C. Zou
Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Department of Biological Repositories, Wuhan, Hubei, China
A Novel Carbon Nanotube-Paper Capacitance Monitoring System for Multi-Parameter, Non-Contact Coagulation Analysis in Blood Preservation
Y. Jin1
1Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing, China
A Novel Low-Toxicity Cryopreservation Strategy for Mouse Oocytes via Electroporation-Mediated Intracellular Trehalose Delivery
M. Wang1,2, G. Zhao1,2
1University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China; 2The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
Oocyte cryopreservation is a cornerstone of fertility preservation; however, conventional vitrification-based approaches require high concentrations (up to 4.8 M) of permeating cryoprotective agents (pCPAs), which can induce substantial cytotoxicity and compromise developmental competence. Trehalose, a non-toxic disaccharide with outstanding glass-forming properties, represents a promising alternative. Nevertheless, it cannot permeate the cell membrane naturally. Here, we report a novel strategy combining electroporation-mediated intracellular trehalose delivery with hydrogel microencapsulation to establish a safe, efficient, and low-toxicity vitrification protocol for mouse oocytes. Intracellular trehalose was introduced via optimized electroporation parameters (30 V, 3 ms pulse duration, 3 pulses), achieving efficient loading while preserving oocyte viability. In addition, hydrogel microencapsulation of oocytes was achieved using a centrifugal microfluidic approach, enabling uniform and controllable encapsulation that provided mechanical buffering and structural protection during cooling and warming. Cytotoxicity assessments and thermal property analyses further identified ethylene glycol in combination with trehalose as an optimal CPA formulation, balancing cryoprotective efficacy with reduced toxicity. The integrated protocol reduced pCPA concentration by 44% (from 4.8 M to 2.7 M) while achieving post-warming survival rates comparable to commercial open-system vitrification. Notably, this was accomplished in a closed system that eliminates cross-contamination risks associated with direct liquid nitrogen contact. Post-warming oocytes maintained mitochondrial membrane potential and key functional parameters comparable to fresh controls. Collectively, this platform provides a promising and biosafe approach for low-toxicity oocyte cryopreservation and may facilitate broader clinical translation in fertility preservation.
Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues
Ethical Engagement Strategies for Diverse Communities to Build Public Trust in Biobanking - A Framework from Pakistan
N. Jawaid1, D. Kumar2, J. Aijaz1,2
1Biorepository, Indus Hospital & Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan, 2Molecular Research, Indus Hospital & Health Network, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Exploring Healthcare Students' Awareness and Sentiments Towards Biobanking
M. A. Ambrozewicz1, D. Connolly2, M. Clements3, C. Lee3
1Biomedical and Translational, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States, 2Student Affairs, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States, 3Research, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States
Hearkening to the Voice of the Research Participants at MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit Biobank
F. Kisakye
MRC/UVRI Biobank and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Central Region, Uganda
Informed consent is a fundamental principle of Good clinical Practice and ethical bio banking. It still remains the only assurance of utilizing participant samples without necessarily exploiting their rights rather enforcing protection and voluntary participation.
The Mathison Centre Neurogenetics Biobank and Advancing Precision Mental Health
S. Shaheen
Psychiatry, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Neurogenetics Biobank is a research biobank that includes collaborators, multiple research institutes & studies based in the community and the clinic. The aim of the biobank is to support gene discovery and knowledge translation in child and youth mental illness and and precision medicine approaches. Method: Biobank features; controlled rate freezing, sample storage and transfer, ethics and biosafety, data preservation, documentation and consultation. Neurogenetics Biobank is currently focusing on major areas i. developing an outline of the types of bio-specimens regularly collected, stored, retrieved and distributed in a biobank (https://www.bcplatforms.com) system and the procedures involved with strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure sample quality fits the purpose of use. ii. Implementing a specimen data and record management system for internal and external stakeholders, using an automated method, which ensures secure collection, storage and retrieval of genetic and phenotypic data. Research Involvement with Biobank: i. Gene & Environmental Influences on Behaviour and Cognition in Childhood Neuropsychiatric Disorders.2. PGx -Spark: the discovery of Pharmacogenetics markers and tools for Child and Youth Mental Health. Aim of this project is to implement Canada’s first Pharmacogenetics testing service to improve drug treatment outcomes in children receiving mental health care 3. Harnessing the Power of Population-Based Samples for Detecting Gene x Environment Interactions. iv. Brain Function and Genetics in Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors. 4. Genetic Architecture for Youth Anxiety (GAYA), a pan-Canadian study. Funding includes multiple sources including NIH, CIHR, and Canadian Foundation for Innovation, the Mathison Centre, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. Results: To date, biobank has successfully stored 5455 clinical biospecimens (DNA from blood, saliva, and buccal swabs) from eight different sites. Biobank system has also established a database system focused on sample tracking, phenotype-genotype linkage, and health information for different users in the USA. Conclusion: Neurogenetics Biobank applies dynamic approaches to gene discovery and precision medicine. We emphasize project engagement and return of value to participants, collaborators, and other stakeholders
Hot Topics
Exploring a Shared Ecosystem for Biobanks in Chinese Research Hospitals: A Collaborative Innovation Model Based on Blockchain and Smart Contracts
P. Zhang, K. Jiang, L. Zheng, X. Kang
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China
On-Demand Organoid Construction from Cryopreserved Tissue Archived Blocks for Gastrointestinal Cancers
Q. Wang, B. Liu, G. Qin, Y. Gu, S. Xiong, F. Ding, W. Jing, Q. Hou, M. Sun, M. Xu
Biobank, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
Phosphorylation of PHLDA2-S42 Regulates Ferroptosis under Metabolic Stress through ALOX12-Mediated Lipid Peroxidation
Q. Wan, W. Chen
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
Research Advances in Quality Control of Tumor Organoid Living Biobank
R. Fan
Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
Organoids, as highly promising in vitro biomimetic models, demonstrate broad prospects in biomedical research and clinical applications. High-quality organoids can precisely recapitulate the structure and function of native organs, ensuring the accuracy and reproducibility of research outcomes. This establishes a robust foundation for subsequent investigations into disease mechanisms, drug discovery, and precision medicine. Quality control of organoids constitutes a pivotal step in guaranteeing research reliability and application validity. This review comprehensively examines current landscape of tumor organoid quality control, covering critical quality control checkpoints across key technical stages of organoid construction process, advancements in standardization construction, and future development trends of organoid quality control. By elucidating these aspects, this work aims to empower researchers and practitioners to overcome challenges in quality control, enhance organoid fidelity, and accelerate the translation of organoid technology from fundamental research to clinical implementation.
Urine Cancer Cells and PD-L1 as a Potential Non-Invasive Biomarker and a Living Biobank for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) Therapy in Bladder Cancer
X. Liu
Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
Bladder cancer (BCa) is a common urological malignancy with a high recurrence rate, often within 2 years of initial diagnosis and treatment. Due to this high recurrence, near all patients require cystoscopic surveillance, which is invasive, uncomfortable, and costly. The cost of surveillance makes this cancer the most expensive cancer per case among all cancer types in the US. Therefore, early detection of recurrence or assessment of patients’ response to treatment, particularly through non-invasive methods, is urgently needed. Since immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are widely used in many clinical trials for BCa treatment, having non-invasive and reliable biomarkers to select appropriate patients for ICI therapies or predict their treatment responses would be invaluable. Here we summarized the potential applications of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) from urine or urine BCa cell samples in BCa clinical settings. We discuss the use of both the free form of PD-L1 in urine samples and the expression levels of PD-L1 on the BCa cells shed in urine samples. Free PD-L1 can be measured with flow cytometry or ELISA-based approaches, while detecting PD-L1 on BCa cell surface requires isolating the urine-derived cancer cells and analyzing them via flow cytometry. Furthermore, we discuss the promising future research areas of urinary PD-L1 (uPD-L1) in bladder cancer, with a particular focus on the combination of conditional reprogramming cells (CRCs) technology and uPD-L1 studies, followed by an overview of several ongoing research topics. Based on current findings, urine cancer cells and uPD-L1 show great potential as a versatile biomarker and a living biomarker, further research is urgently needed to facilitate its translation into clinical applications.
Viability Cryopreservation of Multiple Types of Tissues via a Novel Vitrification Platform Technology
Y. Tan, S. Zhang, S. Wu, N. Xu, W. Zheng, Z. Zhao, T. Chen
Servare Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Ningbo, China
Biobanks serve as a crucial link between basic research and translational medicine, playing a pivotal role in advancing medical science. However, conventional biobanks primarily rely on preservation techniques such as fast-freezing in liquid nitrogen or paraffin-embedding, which can only conserve biomolecules like nucleic acids and proteins but fail to maintain tissue viability. This limitation renders many valuable clinical samples unsuitable for functional studies. To overcome this challenge, we developed ice-free vitrification methods that enable long-term preservation of diverse living tissues, thereby supporting the establishment of living biobanks to meet critical storage and research needs. In this study, we perfused cryoprotectants into various tissue slices-including mouse lung, liver, kidney, and intestine, as well as human lung cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, cartilage, and organoids-followed by rapid cooling to below -140°C to achieve a glassy state. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed that vitrification effectively suppressed ice crystal formation during both cooling and rewarming. AO/PI staining showed no significant difference in cell viability between rewarmed and fresh tissues. Similarly, the yield of organoids derived from rewarmed tissues was not statistically different from those obtained from fresh tissues. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining revealed no structural differences between vitrified and fresh samples. Moreover, we successfully achieved in situ vitrification of organoids embedded in Matrigel. After rewarming, these organoids retained their original morphology and spatial arrangement, with cell viability comparable to that of the control group. Our approach enables high-quality, long-term storage of viable tissues and organoids, offering a next-generation platform for living biobanks. This work presents a novel strategy for constructing living biobanks and establishes a new paradigm for biomedical research and translational applications.
An Ultra-rapid Cooling-warming Platform Based on Copper-based Mesh Magnetothermal Cryotubes Enables Vitrification Cryopreservation of Mouse Ovaries
C. Tian1,2, Z. Wang1, R. Jin2, B. Xu2, G. Zhao1,2
1University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China, 2The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
Static Magnetic Field Combined with L-Proline Promotes Cryopreservation of Retinal Organoids by Inhibiting Adverse Stresses
X. Wang1, G. Zhao1,2
1University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China, 2The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
Retinal organoids are powerful three-dimensional models for retinal physiology, disease research, and drug screening. However, their complex structure renders them highly sensitive to multiple low-temperature-induced stresses, severely limiting cryopreservation efficacy. Low temperature induces endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, impaired cell junctions, and reduced viability in retinal organoids. To address this issue, static magnetic field (SMF) can directly inhibit these adverse stresses and regulate cell membrane permeability to support the function of L-proline, with the two exerting a synergistic effect to enhance stress relief. L-proline specifically inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress (EDEM1, GRP94 genes), reactive oxygen species (ROS, SOD1 gene), and ferroptosis-related gene ACSL4. We propose a combined SMF-L-proline preservation strategy: a low-intensity adjustable SMF can directly suppress adverse stresses and regulate membrane permeability to assist the function of L-proline, synergizing with L-proline to regulate ROS metabolism, alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress, stabilize membrane potential, and inhibit ACSL4, thereby reducing cell damage and apoptosis. The optimized preservation system contains L-proline, antioxidants, and low-concentration cryoprotectants (CPAs). L-proline acts synergistically with SMF, where SMF can directly inhibit low-temperature-induced adverse stresses and regulate cell membrane permeability to support the function of L-proline, specifically addressing the stress sensitivity of retinal organoids, reducing osmotic injury, and maintaining their integrity. In vitro experiments show that the post-preservation recovery rate of retinal organoids using this strategy is over 90%, and their morphology and metabolic activity are comparable to those of fresh samples. This combination has good biocompatibility and does not affect the subsequent functions of retinal organoids, providing a non-invasive and scalable method for the preservation of stress-sensitive retinal organoids.
Funding: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. U24A20764).
Advanced Technologies
A Dual-Pronged Strategy: Integrating Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches to Maximize Biobank Data and Sample Utilization
D. Marino2, M. Zuniga2, M. Bebawy2, N. Dagliyan2, D. Pope2, K. Sargsyan2,1
1International Biobanking and Education, Medizinische Universitat Graz, Graz, Styria, Austria, 2OncoBiobank Shared Resource, Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States
Bridging the Gap from Operational Function to Accreditable Quality: Implementation of a Unified Quality Management System Driven by Automated Processes and Digital SOPs at the MUB Biobank
A. Michalska-Falkowska1,2, D. Juchniewicz1, K. Sargsyan3,2
1Biobank, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Bialymstoku, Bialystok, Poland, 2International Biobanking and Education, Medizinische Universitat Graz, Graz, Styria, Austria, 3OncoBiobank Shared Resource, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States
Construction and Clinical Application of SPDOs Organoid Cell Lines for Gastric Cancer
Y. Yu
Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
Cryogenic Technology: From Broad Applications in Life Sciences to Cutting-edge Practices in Biological Sample Preservation
Y. Han
Professional Committee of the Clinical Data and Sample Resource Bank of the Chinese Research Hospital Association, Shanghai, China
Cryogenic technology is widely applied in the life sciences, with significance in areas like medical therapies, microscopic imaging, and biomaterial processing. The long-term preservation of biological samples such as cells and tissues is a critical cornerstone of biobanking and regenerative medicine. However, this field faces significant biophysical challenges, including uncontrollable ice crystal formation, osmotic damage, and the limitations of traditional technologies in cost and operation.
This report provides a systematic overview of the diverse applications of cryogenic technology in the life sciences and delves into the fundamental principles of biological sample preservation. It highlights the processes of crystallization and vitrification during preservation and the impact of different cooling methods on cell viability. Building on this foundation, the paper introduces two innovative technologies designed to address these challenges: a deep cryo-storage technology based on electric cooling, which uses an advanced refrigeration cycle to replace the reliance on liquid nitrogen, providing a stable and reliable environment for long-term sample storage; and an ultra-fast visual freezing-thawing platform, which combines high-efficiency heat transfer with high-resolution imaging, allowing researchers to observe and analyze the microscopic dynamics of the freezing-thawing process in real time. This work integrates the fundamental principles of cryogenic technology with innovative practices, offering new perspectives and solutions for advancing cryobiology and biobanking.
DCLK1+ Inflammatory CAFs Define a Poor-Prognosis IM1 Program Underpinning Perineural Invasion in Gastric Cancer
S. Xiong, M. Xu, M. Sun, F. Ding, g. qin, W. Jing, y. Gu, B. Liu, Q. Hou, Q. Wang
Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center Fudan University Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
Emerging Fluorescence Technologies For Empowering Biospecimen Science Research in Biobanks
V. Ramanujan2,1
1Pathology & laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, California, United States, 2Biobank & Research Pathology, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, California, United States
Besides being the cauldron for ideas on biospecimen research, biobanks are also emerging as pivotal health delivery frameworks thereby facilitating collection and curation of high-quality specimens for precision health. There is an increased appreciation for well-designed biobanks for procuring and maintaining a repository of high-quality specimens for patient-oriented research. Research dissemination of specimens from the repositories need to be quality-controlled and be associated with metadata that are compliant with the ethical and regulatory principles that govern the biobank workflow. Traditional approaches for tissue quality control (e.g morphological assessment in glass slides) are limited to century-old histological stains that are still reliable and yet, are not without limitations. The knowledge gaps in biospecimen quality assessment using traditional approaches stem from the lack of scalability, limited quantitative information and the lack of sensitivity and specificity. Fluorescence approaches have the power of revolutionizing biospecimen science research in biobank settings by overcoming the aforementioned problems.
In this presentation, we will present our laboratory results demonstrating how emerging fluorescence techniques and high-throughput technologies have been integrated in our biobank quality control framework. More specifically, we will highlight our laboratory results from: (a) archival tissue quality control (rapid tumor assessment) by fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) modality, (b) plasma quality control by redox fluorimetry analysis, (c) living organoid characterization by high-resolution three-dimensional confocal fluorescence techniques, (d) biobank tissue quality control by multiplexed immunofluorescence using curated antibody-panels, (e) digital spatial profiling & transcriptome sequencing in paraffin embedded biobank tissues, and (f) large scale digital pathology image analytics platform for automated tissue pattern recognition in bright field and fluorescence images.
As the biobanks serve as functional conduits between the clinical patient specimens and the laboratory biospecimen research, emerging technologies need to be integrated to expedite the scientific discoveries and innovation. This presentation will demonstrate how leveraging the emerging fluorescence and other technologies can bring about the much-needed synergy between modern biobanking tools and biospecimen research outcomes.
Empowering the Optimization of Scientific Research Resources: Construction and Application of a Cost Accounting Model for Biological Samples
Y. Chen1, X. Wang1, Y. Yang5, W. Liang2, J. Jiang6, M. Xu3, A. Wang4, X. Xu1, H. Liu7
1Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China, 2Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China, 3Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China, 4Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China, 5School of Life Sciences Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, 6Jingwei Zhiyun (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing, China, 7Biobank, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
Experience in Establishing Patient-Derived Organoid Models of Gynecologic Tumor
Q. Gu, S. Yang, S. Qian, X. Li
Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Gynecological tumors pose a significant threat to women’s health. Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) have emerged as a transformative model in biomedical research, capable of closely recapitulating the histological structure, genetic profile, and drug response of primary tumors. They offer broad potential in disease modeling, drug development, and clinical decision support. However, the key challenges is lack of standardized protocols for PDOs culture procedures, which would result in variable success rates and restricting the clinical translation.
Recently, our team established the standardized culture protocols and a quality control system for PDO models of Gynecologic tumor, including ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and cervical cancer. A unified workflow was established, including tissue acquisition, processing and culture, passaging and cryopreservation. The proportions of malignancy components were over 70%, which was confirmed via H&E staining and immunohistochemistry. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and drug sensitivity profiles were detected, and clinical data were collected.
By integrating with clinical, genomic, and pharmacological data, our PDOs platform could enable more accurate clinical decision-making, uncovers novel resistance mechanisms, and identifies potential biomarkers. It not only facilitates ongoing basic research but also paves the way for future initiatives such as “organoid cohort studies,” exploration of alternative clinical trial endpoints, and the advancement of personalized precision medicine.
Metabolic Programming of Tumor-Associated Macrophages Promotes T Cell Exhaustion in Uveal Melanoma
H. Yu1,4, M. Li1, S. He1, R. Zheng2, L. Li3
1Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China, 2Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Xiangya School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 3Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 4Aier Academy of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
Optimization of Whole-Mount Autofocusing SMALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging for Spatially Resolved Lipidomic Profiling of Patient-Derived Organoids
C. Lan, D. Guo
Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
Requalification and Data Management of Pediatric Biological Samples Collected Since 1984: A Case Study from a Neuroblastoma Collection
K. A. Kintossou1, L. SANVEE-EDOH2, S. Tabone-Eglinger2
1Biobank, Institut Pasteur de Cote d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Lagunes, Côte d'Ivoire, 2Biobank, Centre Leon Berard, Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Technical Standards and Specifications for Establishing a Primary Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor Cell Bank via Conditional Reprogramming
M. Yan1,2, W. Chen1,2
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China, 2National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, China
The preservation, management, and rational utilization of genetic resources have become critical strategic issues concerning national security, global development, and public health. While significant attention and progress have been made in tumor biobanks, management, and resource sharing, conventional preservation techniques for tumor biospecimens are increasingly inadequate to meet the growing demands for both quality and quantity of tissue samples, particularly for oral and maxillofacial tumors, where tissue availability is often limited. The conditional reprogramming (CR) method, which enables the acquisition, in vitro culture, and expansion of primary epithelial cells from healthy and tumor tissues, offers an ideal solution for establishing primary cell banks. The Conditional Reprogramming (CR) method is a technique for the in vitro cultivation of primary cells derived from healthy human tissues and/or patient tumor samples. In tumor conditional reprogramming cell cultures, the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the primary tumor are preserved. This approach can be further integrated with genetic analysis and high-throughput drug screening systems, demonstrating significant advantages in drug screening and the development of personalized combination therapy regimens, which have been clinically applied and validated . Compared to patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), patient-derived tumor cell (PDC) models, and patient-derived organoids (PDOs), CR technology offers advantages such as high efficiency, stability, and ease of scalability. It holds important application value for advancing fields such as tumor molecular subtyping and regenerative medicine. Furthermore, primary living cell banks established using the CR method exhibit considerable potential and promise as complementary platforms for clinical research in basic medicine, regenerative medicine, chemical medicine, and precision medicine. Thus, we propose the development of technical standards and specifications to guide the establishment of oral and maxillofacial tumor primary cell banks. Serving as a complementary extension to traditional tissue biobanks, such cell banks would provide passageable and expandable cell samples for basic medical research, translational medicine, and clinical studies. This approach effectively addresses bottleneck challenges such as tumor biospecimen scarcity and holds significant potential for advancing precision diagnostics and therapeutics.
Translating Human Intent into SQL: A Case Study of a PHP-based AI Bridge in an Academic Biorepository
Z. vonMenchhofen, D. McGarvey, K. Montone
CHTN/Path and Lab Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
This study evaluates the utility of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to bridge this technical gap and enhance the user experience. This activity can be conducted using a range of natural or large language (NLM, LLM) models installed locally or at commercial company servers.
By feeding the AI a cleaned projection of SDMS schema—including Canonical field notes and business rules—the model was trained:
Auto-Filter: Automatically append administrative filters. Dynamic Joins: Automatically resolve joins between header tables and inventory tables using double-precision keys. Code Translation: LEFT JOIN logic to translate cryptic internal codes into human-readable display values via the translated value table. Default Intelligence: Apply “Default Projections” to vague queries
Innovative Technology
Y. Chen, Y. Gao
Bejing Normal University, Beijing, China
Biomarkers are measurable changes associated with physiological or pathophysiological processes in the body. Urine, not strictly regulated by homeostatic mechanisms, accumulates extensive variable information and reflects changes in the body earlier and more sensitively, making it an excellent source for biomarker discovery. However, long-distance transport of urine samples usually requires a strictly maintained cold chain throughout the process, which leads to high costs and operational challenges. Here, we propose a urine sample processing method that uses brief heating to inhibit bacterial proliferation and protein degradation. A single urine sample was divided equally into three groups: a pre-heated transport group, a non-heated transport group, and a −80 degree frozen storage control group, with each group consisting of five replicates. Both the pre-heated and non-heated transport groups were transported simultaneously across northern and southern China for five days under ambient temperature conditions. Samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that for urine samples pretreated by 65 degree water bath heating for 15 minutes and −80 degree freezing storage, the intra group overlap rates of identified proteins were 97.1% and 97.5% respectively, both indicating high intra group repeatability. There were no significant differences in the number or types of urinary proteins identified between these two groups, with an inter-group overlap rate of 99.9%. Additionally, the pre-heated transport group and frozen storage control group showed no significant difference in the number of bacterial-derived peptides and proteins identified. In contrast, significantly more bacterial-derived peptides and proteins were identified in the non-heated transport group than in both the pre-heated transport and frozen storage control groups. This indicates that heating effectively suppresses bacterial counts in urine samples during five days of transport at ambient temperatures. This approach provides a more economical and convenient solution for long-distance transport of urine samples, eliminating the need for cold chain transportation or preservatives. We also recommend consistent urine processing methods within the same study to minimize technical variability.
Agentic Biobank Intelligence: Autonomous AI Systems for Dynamic Specimen Discovery and Demand-Driven Curation
A. Ahmadi, J. Baudry
Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama, United States
Biobanks are essential for precision medicine but remain limited by inefficiencies in specimen discovery, quality control, and demand alignment. Traditional machine learning treats them as static repositories, whereas agentic artificial intelligence introduces autonomy, reasoning, and adaptability. Agentic Biobank Intelligence envisions a network of AI agents that interpret and act on evolving biobank data, structure metadata from clinical and laboratory sources, and match specimens to research needs using multimodal reasoning. Higher-level agents analyze trends in requests and publications to anticipate future demand. Through shared ontologies and human oversight, the system remains transparent and compliant while continuously improving specimen matching, reducing waste, and guiding acquisition. This approach transforms biobanks into active, learning partners that orchestrate data, demand, and discovery.
AI–Enhanced Single Mode Electromagnetic Resonant Rewarming Technology for Optimal Cryopreservation and Biobanking
W. Wang1, T. Li2, Z. Diao5, X. Ma1, S. Ren6,1, Z. Shu3,1, R. Ma4, M. Chen7,1, D. Gao1
1University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States, 2University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States, 3University of Washington Tacoma, Tacoma, Washington, United States, 4Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 5Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 6Seattle University, Seattle, Washington, United States, 7Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Renton, Washington, United States
Optimal cryopreservation method and technology play pivotal roles in long-term low temperature storage and biobanking of biospecimens to maintain samples’ viability, integrity, and functionality. A great challenge for the successful cryopreservation is the cryoinjury caused by lethal ice-recrystallization (LIRC) and thermal-stress induced tissue fracture (TITF) during the rewarming process. Rapid and uniform rewarming is indispensable for preventing LIRC and TITF. The advanced Single-Mode Electromagnetic (EM) Resonant (SMER) rewarming technology has been developed to achieve superior rapid-uniform heating capability. However, it was revealed that the dielectric properties of a biospecimen may vary markedly with temperature change during SMER rewarming process, resulting in continuous drift of the resonant frequency in SMER cavity. Such frequency excursion reduces energy coupling efficiency and therefore limits biospecimen’s rewarming rate. To address this challenge, a novel dual-mode adaptive resonant tracking system is developed in the present study, based on a dual RF Switch measurement architecture and a machine learning–based AI frequency prediction model to enhance frequency-locking precision and energy utilization efficiency during the SMER rewarming. The system employs two RF switches to perform high-speed, multi-band alternating measurements, capturing the dynamic evolution of sample resonance characteristics with high temporal resolution and continuously updating the frequency response model. During non-measurement intervals, a machine learning algorithm trained on reflected energy features predicts transient frequency drift and performs adaptive correction, enabling continuous and high-precision frequency locking control. This approach not only improves the stability and thermal uniformity of the SMER rewarming process but also effectively reduces energy reflection and local overheating risks, providing an optimal energy regulation pathway for efficient rewarming of complex biospecimens with different sizes. Experimental results showed that, under identical power conditions, the AI-enhanced system significantly increases both EM energy utilization efficiency and sample rewarming rate. This work establishes an AI and scalable SMER control strategy for rapid and uniform rewarming of large-volume specimens, offering a robust technological foundation for high-quality rewarming and precise energy management in modern biobanking applications.
An Optimized and Automated Platform for High-Quality PBMC Isolation: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Standardized Methods with Integrated Plasma Collection
D. Li1, X. Dong1, X. Ran1, X. Jiang2, H. Hu2, Y. Wang1
1Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital (BTCH), Beijing, China, 2Tecan (Shanghai) Laboratory Equipment Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
Optimizing FFPE Storage For The Future: Improving Space Utilization, Sample Integrity, And Traceability Through High-Density Automated Storage
R. Humeida, A. Ghosh, Q. Wagner
Precision Medicine & Biosamples, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Wilmington, Delaware, United States
The Gateway to Biological Research. BioOne!
K. Ha, W. Kyung, T. Kang, S. Park, Y. Jeon, G. Jo, K. Park, K. Lee, H. Park, J. Choi, J. Yu, I. Jeong, M. Kim, T. Jin
KOBIC, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea
Bio-resources are essential materials for biotechnological research and industry. Given their importance, many countries have focused on the acquisition and utilization of bio-resources. Recognizing this, Korea has made considerable efforts to collect these resources since the 2000s.
By 2024, Korea had accumulated a total of 20,709,924 bio-resource samples, with 812,241 samples distributed in 2024 alone. However, changes in both domestic and international circumstances, such as the entry into force of the Nagoya Protocol and the global pandemic, have highlighted the need to adjust policies regarding the acquisition of bio-resources and the establishment of bio-resource banks. In July 2020, Korea announced its 3d national strategy for bio-resources, which has led to changes in how bio-resources and their data are utilized.
As part of this strategy, bio-resource banks are now organized into 14 units, including human tissues, pathogens, cell lines, experimental animal models, microorganisms, plant extracts, and more. Additionally, to enhance the utilization of bio-resource data, the BioOne platform (a one-stop bio-resource service) is being established in 2024. This platform will allow users to search for research papers, patents, research results, and bio-resources, and will enable the ordering and distribution of bio-resources. In this presentation, I will explain the management of bio-resources in Korea and provide an overview of the BioOne platform (https://www.bioone.re.kr/en/main).
Thermal Safety Oriented Single Mode Electromagnetic Resonance Rewarming Using Temperature Feedback Model Predictive Control for Optimal Power Selection to Prevent Overheating of Vitrified Biospecimens
T. Li1, W. Wang1, Z. Diao1, X. Ma1, S. Ren1,2, Z. Shu1,3, R. Ma1,4, M. Chen1, D. Gao1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States, 2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seattle University, Seattle, Washington, United States, 3School of Engineering and Technology, University of Washington Tacoma, Tacoma, Washington, United States, 4Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Massachusetts, United States
The development of cryopreservation methodologies and technologies plays a critical role in long-term cryogenic storage and biobanking by preserving biospecimen viability, structural integrity, and functional stability. A major challenge in successful cryopreservation occurs during rewarming, where cryoinjury can result from lethal ice recrystallization and tissue fractures caused by thermal stress. For vitrified biospecimens, rapid and evenly distributed rewarming is crucial. Single-mode electromagnetic resonance rewarming (SMER) allows rapid volumetric heating through resonant EM energy deposition; however, in real operation, temperature-dependent changes in the specimen's dielectric properties and cavity coupling conditions can cause the heating response to vary significantly over time. Such nonstationary dynamics increase the risk of temperature overshoot and localized overheating, which can cause irreversible thermal damage, including protein denaturation, disruption of cellular membranes and cytoskeletal structures, and metabolic imbalance, ultimately decreasing post-rewarming viability and potentially leading to permanent tissue or organ failure. To improve thermal safety in SMER rewarming, we propose a closed-loop power regulation system that combines real-time temperature sensing with model predictive control (MPC). The system alternates between short resonance-characterization intervals and heating intervals using an RF-switching architecture while continuously taking temperature measurements. A compact, online-updated input–output heating-response model is integrated into the MPC optimization to determine power commands while respecting explicit engineering constraints, including a strict upper limit on deliverable power. The control objective is to allow higher power during the initial phase of rewarming to quickly pass through critical temperature ranges, and to gradually decrease power as rewarming nears completion to prevent temperature overshoot and localized overheating. This work creates a pathway for safety-focused closed-loop SMER rewarming and provides a basis for future integration with resonance-aware energy scheduling and control strategies.
A Portable, Multifunctional Automated Perfusion System for Long-Term Cryopreservation of Cells, Tissue Slices, and Organs
X. Ma1, R. Ma1, S. Hao1, W. Wang1, Y. Jin1, S. Ren1,2, Z. Shu1,3, D. Gao1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States, 2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seattle University, Seattle, Washington, United States, 3School of Engineering and Technology, University of Washington Tacoma, Tacoma, Washington, United States
Cryopreservation is fundamental to biobanking, cell therapy, and organ transplantation. However, achieving ice-free vitrification with high post-thaw viability remains a major challenge due to cryoinjury associated with intracellular ice formation (IIF). To suppress IIF and enable vitrification, cryoprotective agents (CPAs) are introduced; however, their use introduces additional challenges, including osmotic stress and CPA toxicity during both CPA loading and removal, which can lead to irreversible cellular and tissue injury. Furthermore, long-term cryopreservation is constrained by the limitations of conventional static cold storage (SCS). The short preservation window, lack of metabolic support, and increased risk of cold ischemic injury during SCS significantly compromise the quality and viability of donor organs prior to cryopreservation. To address these limitations, we developed a portable automated perfusion system that enables controlled CPA addition and removal under dynamic flow conditions while maintaining nutrient and oxygen supply, facilitating toxic metabolite clearance, and mitigating cold ischemic injury. This system enables precise regulation of CPA concentration profiles through a robust control algorithm. Compared with conventional stepwise CPA protocols, the automated design significantly reduces the need for manual intervention by enabling continuous and controlled CPA loading and unloading, thereby minimizing osmotic shock and CPA toxicity while ensuring sufficient diffusion time for uniform CPA penetration. For cellular applications, an integrated hemodialyzer module is used to perform CPA loading, removal, and cell concentration via a dilution–filtration process. For tissue applications, a dedicated perfusion chamber enables simultaneous dynamic perfusion of multiple tissue slices, providing substantially improved efficiency compared with conventional manual stepwise CPA loading and unloading. Furthermore, a pressure feedback loop integrated with multichannel pump control ensures stable CPA delivery while preventing vascular barotrauma during organ perfusion. In addition, the portable and multifunctional design enables seamless deployment in the laboratory, allowing on-site hyperthermic perfusion, CPA loading and removal, and normothermic perfusion for post-thaw assessment, thereby enhancing long-term cryopreservation across multiple biological sample types.
Repository Standards
A Project Management Platform for Managing Quality Assurance Issues
L. Gonzales, O. Zalishchuk, I. Mykhalchuk, A. Honcharova, A. Dunski, A. Popova, N. Heinz, R. Semikov
Audubon Bioscience, Houston, Texas, United States
The gold industry standard for any biospecimen company is to have a quality management system (QMS) that includes robust workflows for logging/tracking progress of any quality issue that arises. However, a QMS system can cost between $200-$1000 per month, which may be cost prohibitive for smaller research institutions. A potential solution for managing quality issues is the use of a flexible, customizable, project management platform where modules can be built specifically with custom fields for business, operational, quality and regulatory purposes. In addition to using a well-known QMS platform for policy/procedure document control, we have adapted a project management platform, ClickUp, to manage the tracking, progress and outcome of quality issues. We designed a module within the platform where a quality issue can be initially logged as a task and assigned to specific team members to whom the issue pertains, allowing for cross-departmental oversight. Custom fields were created to capture who, what, when, why and how a quality issue arose. Once a task is logged, the Quality Assurance (QA) team can use the chat feature to record the discussion with team members of the immediate actions needed, root cause, and direct team members on any corrective actions decided. The module is also customized to issue new tasks (with deadlines and reminders) to oversee, track, document, and complete the necessary corrective action in a timely manner. The platform allows for emails to be pinned, other tasks to be linked, and documents/images to be attached directly, so that the full “story” of the quality issue is all located in one place. The platform also can be customized to be 21 CFR part 11 compliant with regards to permissions, signatures, traceability, etc. The data from the platform is routinely exported into a spreadsheet format to use for data analyses on company-wide quality and performance metrics, which facilitates the generation of detailed and data-driven quarterly quality reports. Overall, this project management platform has greatly increased the robustness of our quality management system, as it facilitates the oversight of quality assurance in one central location without purchasing licenses to a larger, more expensive QMS platform. The use of a project management platform, such as ClickUp, may be a more cost-effective solution for smaller research entities, such as biobanks, to demonstrate compliance with industry standards in quality.
Assessing Processing Time and Cell Count Performance as Fit-for-Purpose QC Metrics for PBMC Biobanking
A. H. Rangel2,3, S. Chowdhury1,3, L. Burgess2,3, G. Long4
1Biobank, Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2Biobank, Melanoma Institute Australia, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 3Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 4Melanoma Institute Australia, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Effect of Pre-analytical Factors on Nucleic Acid from Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Tissue (FFPET) Samples: A Thailand Multi-Center Study
C. Songpatanasilp1, P. Adchariyasakulchai7, S. Keadsanti3, T. Thanomchard1, S. Wanamkang1, N. Lertprasertsuke2, S. Suwiwat8, S. Thammachantha4, T. Anekpuritanang5, A. Jinawath6, S. Wongwaisayawan1, S. Koonmee9, S. Shuangshoti7, N. Jinawath1
1Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, 2Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 3Mahidol University Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand, 4Neurological Institute of Thailand, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand, 5Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand, 6Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand, 7Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand, 8Prince of Songkla University Faculty of Medicine, Hat Yai, Songkla, Thailand, 9Khon Kaen University Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen, Thailand
The Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Tissue (FFPET) specimens are a valuable resource for clinical diagnosis and precision oncology research. Several pre-analytical factors affect the quality of nucleic acid extracted from FFPET specimens that may lead to diagnostic inaccuracies and nonreplicable research results. In order to assess the quality of FFPE-derived nucleic acid and develop a common standardized protocol for FFPET preparation across medical institutions in Thailand, we aimed to determine the effect of pre-analytical factors including fixation buffers, fixation times, storage conditions and durations on DNA and RNA quality as reflected in the data quality from an NGS cancer panel and SNP array. The archived FFPETs were recruited from seven large medical institutions in Thailand. The ΔCq, RIN score, and DV200 values were used as indicators for nucleic acid quality. Our results showed no significant effect on DNA and RNA quality between the use of fixation buffers, 10% unbuffered formalin and 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF). On the other hand, the DNA quality worsen when fixation time was prolonged more than 24 hours. Interestingly, the DNA extracted from long-term storage FFPET samples revealed low quality below the QC threshold for high-throughput technology applications after only 3 years of storage. This is likely due to the harsh environmental factors, such as high temperature and humidity in Thailand, as most centers stored FFPET samples at ambient temperature. We also explored the use of the Pathum Raksa box, which is specially designed to facilitate an efficient FFPET preparation in a rural hospital setting, and found improved DNA and RNA quality after utilizing these specialized boxes for FFPET preparation. In summary, our findings reveal the disparity in FFPET-derived nucleic acid quality across medical institutions, and highlight the urgency to improve this situation by developing national standard guidelines.
Long-Term Assessment of RNA Extracted from Lymphocytes Preserved in Triazole Compared with RNA Extracted from Buffy Coat Stored at –80°C
M. Saady, R. M. Ahmed, A. M. Gamal, A. R. Abd Elkader, S. Aboelela, A. Saleh
Research and Biobank of Shefa Al-Orman Oncology Hospital, Shefa Al-Orman Oncology Hospital, Luxor, Egypt
Minimizing Pre-Analytical Variables on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) Processing and Cryopreservation for Quality Improvement in Ramathibodi Comprehensive Tumor Biobank
T. Thanomchard1, S. Wanamkang1, C. Songpatanasilp1, N. Luepongpatthana3, N. Jinawath3,2
1Ramathibodi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, 2Integrative Computational Bioscience (ICBS) Center, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, 3Program in Translational Medicine, Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan, Thailand
The Ramathibodi Comprehensive Tumor Biobank (RCTB), Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, established in 2014 as the first centralized human specimen biobank in Thailand, has archived more than 40,000 biospecimens from over 4,000 cancer patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are particularly valuable, supporting genomic, transcriptomic, immunological, and functional studies in translational cancer research. The reliability of downstream applications depends on minimizing pre-analytical variability in processing and cryopreservation. Yet systematic evaluations of pre-analytical influences on PBMCs from cancer patients remain limited, even though these individuals often undergo multimodal therapies that may affect specimen quality. This study investigated key determinants of PBMC integrity to inform standardized operating procedures for long-term storage in a multicenter biobank setting.
As part of its quality control (QC) and research and development (R&D) program, RCTB examined three pre-analytical variables: blood storage duration, storage format, and patient treatment status. PBMCs were randomly selected and isolated from cancer patients enrolled between 2014 and 2024, stored for 1–10 years, and evaluated for viability, DNA integrity, and RNA integrity. Results indicated that storage of whole blood in EDTA tubes for more than two days before isolation reduced PBMC viability, highlighting the importance of timely processing. PBMCs cryopreserved in freezing-media maintained RNA integrity more effectively than cell pellet storage, while DNA quality was similar across formats. Treatment status, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT), did not markedly influence PBMC viability compared with treatment-naïve patients. Lower PBMC viability was also linked with reduced nucleic acid purity, connecting pre-analytical handling directly to molecular quality.
These findings underscore the need for evidence-based SOPs, systematic QC, and ongoing R&D to mitigate pre-analytical variability. They further provide a framework for harmonizing PBMC handling across multicenter cancer biobanks nationwide, supporting reproducibility and equitable access to high-quality biospecimens. By safeguarding PBMC integrity, RCTB strengthens its role as a national platform for cancer research and contributes to the long-term sustainability of biobanking in Thailand.
Quality Assessment of RNA Extracted from Fresh Tissue and Buffy Coat
A. R. Abd Elkader1, R. M. Ahmed2, A. M. Gamal1, M. Saady2, S. Aboelela2, A. M. Mohamed3, A. Saleh2
1Research and Biobank of Shefa Al Orman Oncology Hospital, Shefaa Al Orman Oncology Hospital, Luxor, Egypt, 2Research and Biobank of Shefa Al Orman Oncology Hospital, Shefa Al Orman, Luxor, Egypt, 3Lab, Shefa al Orman Hospital, Luxor, Egypt
Stability of DNA and RNA Concentration and Purity of Buffy Coat Samples from CLL Patients After One Year of –80°C Storage
R. M. Ahmed, A. M. Gamal, M. Saady, S. Aboelela, A. M. Ramadan, H. El-Sadek, A. Saleh
Research, Shefaa Alorman, Luxor, Qina, Egypt