Applications of liquid nitrogen containers in the laboratory
- cao brook
- Jan 12
- 1 min read
Liquid nitrogen containers in labs are crucial for cryopreserving biological samples (cells, tissues, DNA, embryos, blood, vaccines) at ultra-low temperatures (-196°C) to halt degradation, supporting research in medicine, biotech, and biobanking. They also serve as coolants for equipment (MRI), facilitate cryogenic grinding for material testing, stabilize chemical reactions, and enable cryosurgery for removing lesions, making them versatile tools across science and healthcare.
Key Laboratory Applications
· Biological Sample Preservation: Long-term storage of cells, tissues, blood, sperm, eggs, and stem cells for future research or clinical use, essentially "pausing" biological activity.
· Biobanking & Vaccine Storage: Securing genetic materials, cord blood, and temperature-sensitive vaccines.
· Medical Research: Preserving samples for DNA, RNA, and protein studies, and supporting advances in stem cell research.
· Cryosurgery: Freezing and destroying abnormal skin cells (warts, lesions) for dermatological treatments.
· Material Testing: Cooling materials (metals, plastics) to make them brittle for impact tests or cryogenic grinding.
· Equipment Cooling: Cooling components in scientific instruments, like MRI machines, to enhance performance.
· Chemistry & Physics: Controlling temperature for specific chemical reactions or studying material properties at cryogenic temperatures (e.g., superconductivity).
· Cryogenic Grinding: Making materials brittle for easier grinding and analysis.
How They Work
· Ultra-Low Temperatures: Provide an environment around -196°C (-320°F) to effectively stop biological and chemical processes.
· Vacuum Insulation: Double-walled vacuum insulation minimizes heat transfer, reducing nitrogen evaporation and maintaining stable temperatures for extended periods.
· Sample Protection: Rapid freezing (flash-freezing) prevents ice crystal formation that can damage delicate biological structures, preserving sample integrity.

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