Thermo Scientific CryoMed Controlled-Rate Freezers

In line with the need for pharmaceutical research, cell and gene therapy, vaccine production and biobanking laboratories for dependable sample protection, Thermo Fisher Scientific’s controlled-rate freezers are designed to provide precise, repeatable freezing capabilities, while enhancing data traceability to support GMP and 21 CFR part 11 requirements.

Thermo Scientific CryoMed Controlled-Rate Freezers (CRF) are designed to safeguard sample safety and integrity using Type T thermocouples for real-time monitoring of chamber and sample temperatures. Precise temperature control, temperature uniformity and accelerated freezing are enabled via an air-handling system and dual solenoid valves capable of balancing liquid nitrogen (LN₂) injection volumes. A remote alarm capability prompts corrective action so that optimal conditions are always maintained, notifying users of thermocouple failures, heater malfunction, breach of high/low temperature limits and power failures. Furthermore, the freezers’ preventive maintenance indicator for LN₂ solenoid replacement limits downtime.

The freezers feature built-in functionality specifically designed to support GMP and 21 CFR part 11 requirements, making it easier for laboratories to maintain regulatory compliance. This includes an intuitive touchscreen user interface that facilitates data traceability, allowing for easy set-up, operation and review of freezing runs, as well as events monitoring; run and event logs that can be exported as .pdf files onto a USB stick connected to the CryoMed CRF systems; and compatibility with vaporised hydrogen peroxide (VHP) cleaning techniques.

The systems are designed to effectively protect samples from intracellular freezing, to meet even the most demanding application needs. They are available in three capacities, while also offering six preset and up to 14 user-defined custom freezing profiles, to suit varying application needs. For maximum ease of use, a ‘run last’ feature allows the same profile to be run consecutively at the touch of a button. The freezers enable three levels of accessibility to authorised personnel, for protection of freezing profiles and data.