At UK Biocentre, our prime concern is the maintenance and protection of your samples. We know that the long-term integrity of your samples is critical to the success of your research project both now and in the future.
Our 70,000 square feet facility in Milton Keynes specialises in the management and processing of biological samples. This is complemented by our secondary site in Oxford which is dedicated to long-term archival storage.
We can store over 35 million samples across fully automated -80°C stores, manual storage in -80°C freezers and - 196°C liquid nitrogen tanks.
Our storage solutions
Automated storage
Our automated storage combines high efficiency with a trusted and reliable way of storing samples. Samples are stored securely, with the quality and integrity of each and every sample maintained through temperature homogeneity and minimised thermal disruption. High-speed robotic sample picking ensures targeted and flexible sample availability.
This type of storage is more reliable, more energy efficient and manages emissions far more effectively compared to standard manual freezers making it the most environmentally friendly option.
Benefits of automated storage:
High-speed robotic sample picking + cherry picking with reduced risk of freeze/thaw cycle damage.
Integrated sample lineage via our Laboratory Management System (LIMS).
Assured cost-effectiveness.
Best in class quality management.
Assured sample integrity.
Reduced carbon footprint due to energy efficiency and lower emissions.
We provide comprehensive manual storage solutions designed to meet the diverse sample management needs of our partners. Our leading-edge facility is equipped with over 200 ultra-low temperature freezers (-80°C), 122 liquid nitrogen tanks (-196°C), and a range of ambient storage options, offering secure and reliable storage for a wide variety of biological materials.
Our infrastructure is supported by an uninterrupted power supply, ensuring the continuous preservation and safety of stored samples, even in the event of power outages.
Benefits of manual storage:
Ambient storage
‐80°C freezers
System redundancy with uninterrupted power supply units and fail over generators
Contingency units
24/7 quick response team.
Liquid Nitrogen Storage
Liquid nitrogen storage (LN2) is one of the most effective ways to preserve biological samples for the long term. By keeping samples at a cryogenic temperature of -196°C, liquid nitrogen tanks prevent all biological activity, thus preserving samples in a state of suspended animation.
Benefits of cryo storage:
Exceptional preservation: Biological activity is entirely halted, ensuring samples like stem cells, tissues, and embryos can remain viable for decades.
Versatile applications: Suitable for diverse biological materials, from reproductive cells to complex tissues.
Reliable long-term stability: Decades of storage with nolimited degradation, as long as nitrogen levels are maintained.
Your sample’s safety is our 24/7 commitment
Globally recognised ISO ISO 15189:2012, 9001:2015, ISO 27001:2013.
Human Tissue Act (HTA) license 12624 for both our sites.
Bespoke Quality Management System.
Internal auditing.
Multi-level disaster prevention and recovery plan.
