The preservation of biological material in a stable state is a fundamental
requirement in biological/medical science, agriculture, and biotechnology.
It has enabled standardization of experimental work over time, has secured
lifesaving banks of cells and tissue ready for transplantation and transfusion at
the time of need and has assured the survival of critical germ plasm in support
of programs for the conservation of species. Cryopreservation and freeze￾drying are widely accepted as the preferred techniques for achieving long-term
storage, and have been applied to an increasingly diverse range of biological
materials. Although the basis for many methodologies is common, many laborato￾ries lack expertise in applying correct preservation and storage procedures and
many apply outdated or inappropriate protocols for storing samples or cultures.