The Biobanking
System of the
future.
The Biobanking-
system of the
future.
The next generation
biobanking system
ASKION C-line® - Flexible, tailor-made, expandable, automated
With its modular design, automation capabilities and scalability, the ASKION C-line® system represents a next-generation system for biobanks, biorepositories and LN2-based sample collections.
On one hand, this system can be used to map individual aspects of biobanking, such as controlled freezing, sample transfer, sample storage, automation, documentation, consulting and useful accessories.
On the other hand, it can implement individual and tailor-made solutions, from only a few to millions of samples and from semi- to fully automatic processes. Due to the modular structure, biobanks/biorepositories/LN2-based sample collections can be adapted and expanded at any time without influencing already stored samples and existing processes.
In short: The ASKION C-line® system provides the best sample quality, maximum traceability and optimal user-friendliness with automated and modular storage and freezing solutions down to -185 °C.
Askion C-line®
Modular and automated cryogenic sample storage
Five reasons
Why
1.0
Best reproducibility through controlled freezing
2.0
Convenient sample storage through automated storage systems
3.0
Best sample quality through automation down to -130°C
4.0
Modular and individual scaling and expandability
5.0
Free of contamination and available as a medical device
In
Action
Freezing
- Controlled and reproducible freezing
- Temperature reference measurement (incl. Sample sensor)
- Up to six independently operating freezers
- Freely configurable freezing curves
- Controlled seeding (targeted triggering of crystallization)
- Sample format independent
- Semi to fully automatic configuration available
- Cryogenic work room with adjustable temperature down to -130°C
- Automated sample handling (single samples / SBS rack) at up to -130°C
- Software and hardware supported monitoring system
Sample storage
- Automated sample storage in nitrogen gas phase
- Automated sample handling at temperatures below -130 ° C (adjustable)
- Automated single sample handling (pick-and-place robot)
- Automated SBS rack handling
- Integrated gripper changing system
- Integrated scanners for individual samples and SBS racks at ambient temperatures of -130 ° C
- Suitable to establish small (a few thousand samples) to very large (million samples) biobanks / sample stores
- Modular expandable / scalable
- GMP and ISO 20387 compliant
- Sample format independent
Identification
- Sample recognition within less than 5 seconds
- Simultaneous identification of several samples in SBS rack (96, 48, 24, etc.) or box format (9×9, 10×10, etc.)
- Reliable sample recognition at ambient temperatures from +25°C to -150°C
- Reads vial bottom code and rack / box barcode (1D/2D)
- Available as a portable standalone version or as a retrofittable installation solution for the workbench
- Sample format independent
- Integrated analysis software (for portable version)
- Integrated power supply for up to 5 h (at -150°C, for portable version)
- Enables best possible sample quality, due to minimal temperature changes during the scanning process
Documentation
- Automated Reporting
- Compiling the “life cycle history” for each single sample in your biobank
- Multiple interfaces to input stations, to your PC, or to the LIMS/HIS
- Generation of individual reports
- Integrated backup system
- Software can be adapted to the workflow of the customers system
- Intuitive generation of orders for freezing, storage and retrieval of single samples or batches
- Databank for storage data (sample ID and storage location) and additional data (freezing curve, all activities in the storage system including date, time, temperature and user, etc.)
Consulting
- Feasibility studies
- Analysis and advises on local infrastructure
- Providing suitable floor plans (2D/3D)
- Conceptual design and implementation of the liquid nitrogen filling system
- Involving existing partners
Accessories
- Adapter to transfer legacy samples
- LN Flow Control to control and secure liquid nitrogen flow
- Transfertool to convert samples from conventional into aluminium SBS racks or back
- Aluminium SBS Racks for high precision freezing
- P-Zero Detector for permanent non-invasive vacuum monitoring at HS200 (EN)
Freezing
- Controlled and reproducible freezing
- Temperature reference measurement (incl. Sample sensor)
- Up to six independently operating freezers
- Freely configurable freezing curves
- Controlled seeding (targeted triggering of crystallization)
- Sample format independent
- Semi to fully automatic configuration available
- Cryogenic work room with adjustable temperature down to -130°C
- Automated sample handling (single samples / SBS rack) at up to -130°C
- Software and hardware supported monitoring system
Sample storage
- Automated sample storage in nitrogen gas phase
- Automated sample handling at temperatures below -130 ° C (adjustable)
- Automated single sample handling (pick-and-place robot)
- Automated SBS rack handling
- Integrated gripper changing system
- Integrated scanners for individual samples and SBS racks at ambient temperatures of -130 ° C
- Suitable to establish small (a few thousand samples) to very large (million samples) biobanks / sample stores
- Modular expandable / scalable
- GMP and ISO 20387 compliant
- Sample format independent
Identification
- Sample recognition within less than 5 seconds
- Simultaneous identification of several samples in SBS rack (96, 48, 24, etc.) or box format (9×9, 10×10, etc.)
- Reliable sample recognition at ambient temperatures from +25°C to -150°C
- Reads vial bottom code and rack / box barcode (1D/2D)
- Available as a portable standalone version or as a retrofittable installation solution for the workbench
- Sample format independent
- Integrated analysis software (for portable version)
- Integrated power supply for up to 5 h (at -150°C, for portable version)
- Enables best possible sample quality, due to minimal temperature changes during the scanning process
Documentation
- Automated Reporting
- Compiling the “life cycle history” for each single sample in your biobank
- Multiple interfaces to input stations, to your PC, or to the LIMS/HIS
- Generation of individual reports
- Integrated backup system
- Software can be adapted to the workflow of the customers system
- Intuitive generation of orders for freezing, storage and retrieval of single samples or batches
- Databank for storage data (sample ID and storage location) and additional data (freezing curve, all activities in the storage system including date, time, temperature and user, etc.)
Consulting
- Feasibility studies
- Analysis and advises on local infrastructure
- Providing suitable floor plans (2D/3D)
- Conceptual design and implementation of the liquid nitrogen filling system
- Involving existing partners
Accessories
- Adapter to transfer legacy samples
- LN Flow Control to control and secure liquid nitrogen flow
- Transfertool to convert samples from conventional into aluminium SBS racks or back
- Aluminium SBS Racks for high precision freezing
- P-Zero Detector for permanent non-invasive vacuum monitoring at HS200 (EN)
Askion
Worldwide
Our
FAQ
The ASKION C-line® system is a modular system for the equipment of biobanks/biorepositories/cryogenic storage. It consists of various modules for controlled freezing, transfer, storage (down to -185°C) and automated handling (down to -130°C) of different sample formats. Due to the modularity, on the one hand individual layouts can be realized and on the other hand the biobanks/biorepositories/cryogenic storage can be continuously expanded without influencing the already stored samples.
The ASKION C-line® system can be used for controlled freezing, transfer, storage (down to -185°C) and automated handling (down to -130°C) of various sample formats.
The ASKION C-line® system offers a multitude of advantages. Some of them are listed below. The ASKION C-line® system enables the best possible sample quality to be obtained through controlled and reproducible freezing, compliance with a continuous cold chain of at least -100°C, automatic sample handling at down to -130°C, nitrogen gas phase storage at down to -185°C and continuous documentation. Furthermore, the system enables a tailor-made adaptation of the biobanks/biorepositories/cryogenic repositories to their respective requirements. As a result, it’s impossible to not reach the required dimensioning and thus enabling an efficient and targeted use of the available financial resources. In addition, the ASKION C-line® system can grow modularly with future requirements without influencing the already stored samples and the existing workflows.
The recommended sample storage temperature depends, among other things, on the sample content (cells, serum, etc.), the storage period and the downstream application. If these parameters are known, a precise selection can be made. An example of this would be the storage of stem cells and ATMPs for later transplants. These must be stored below -150°C. However, if not all parameters have been conclusively clarified, storage should always be as cold as possible.
By storing the samples in the nitrogen gas phase, cross-contamination is avoided. Scientific studies have shown that, among other things, viruses can be transferred between different sealed samples if the samples are stored directly in liquid nitrogen.
Uninterrupted cold chain means, using the ASKION C-line® system, that the samples are never handled, transferred, or stored above -100°C. These cryogenic temperatures are crucial to avoid freezing/warm-up cycles and the associated reduction in sample quality, as well as icing, and thus a loss of traceability.
The ASKION C-line® system can be adapted to almost any sample format from different manufacturers.
The sample storage in the ASKION C-line® hermetic storage takes place in the gas phase of liquid nitrogen. This form of storage avoids cross-contamination. Scientific studies have shown that, among other things, viruses can be transferred between different sealed samples if the samples are stored directly in liquid nitrogen.
The storage capacity depends on the selected storage module (HS200 S/M/L), the selected sample format and the supplier. For a rough orientation, some exemplary capacities are listed below:
HS200 S | HS200 M | HS200 L | |
0,3 ml | 78.500 | 274.000 | 830.000 |
2,0 ml | 21.100 | 64.500 | 175.000 |
In the lower part of the ASKION C-line® work bench there is a tank with liquid nitrogen. Due to the evaporation of the liquid nitrogen, a stable temperature gradient of approx. +8°C to -180°C builds up in the vertical. This temperature gradient is used to freeze the samples by a freezer basket approaching the corresponding positions, similar to a lift. It is controlled by a sample temperature sensor. At the same time, the freezing data for each sample is automatically recorded and stored in the database.
The possible freezing gradients are between 0.1 K/min and 50 K/min. The freezing curves can be created individually. In addition to constantly decreasing cooling rates, variable rates can also be mapped.
Yes, the freezing parameters can be freely defined and saved.
Yes, the ASKION C-line® system can be connected to an external IT infrastructure, e.g. LIMS, via ASKION C-line® Control. For this purpose, an exposed interface is used.
Yes, ASKION C-line® Control can be used to manage conventional storage equipment (e.g. -80°C cabinets).
The exact number of media required depends on the device(s) to be installed and varies between 1 and 5. The maximum required media are: liquid nitrogen, power connection (16 A), network connection, ventilation system (fresh air supply, exhaust air) and an oxygen warning system.
The components of the ASKION C-line® system can be purchased with medical approval. For further details, please contact your contact person.
When planning a biobank, GDPR aspects, structural features (new or existing buildings), planned/existing workflows, used sample formats, expected sample throughputs, expected storage capacities, IT requirements, transfer of existing sample collections, etc. must be taken into account. Askion is happy to support you in planning your biobank. For further details, please contact your contact person.
Askion supports you, among other things, in the planning and execution of the liquid nitrogen supply, the conception of the biobank, preparation of feasibility studies, creation of 2D/3D room models, and planning of workflows. As part of this, both existing and new partners can be considered and integrated. For further details, please contact your contact person.
Yes. Samples that have already been stored can be transferred to the ASKION C-line® system either directly or via adapter solutions.
Askion is, amongst others, certified according to ISO9001 and ISO13485.
Delivery times depend on the product to be delivered. It can range from a few days to 12 months (e.g. for the HS200 L). For further details, please contact your contact person.
The warranty on all Askion products is 12 months.
Askion offers user and technician training. For further details, please contact your contact person.
Askion offers a choice of three different service/maintenance contracts. For further details, please contact your contact person.
Askion guarantees a spare parts supply for at least 10 years. For maximum protection, you can also conclude an escrow agreement.
Yes, a demonstration of the devices is possible at any time. For this purpose, either other users or the company headquarters in Gera can be visited. For further details, please contact your contact person.
The ASKION C-line® system is a modular system for the equipment of biobanks/biorepositories/cryogenic storage. It consists of various modules for controlled freezing, transfer, storage (down to -185°C) and automated handling (down to -130°C) of different sample formats. Due to the modularity, on the one hand individual layouts can be realized and on the other hand the biobanks/biorepositories/cryogenic storage can be continuously expanded without influencing the already stored samples.
The ASKION C-line® system can be used for controlled freezing, transfer, storage (down to -185°C) and automated handling (down to -130°C) of various sample formats.
The ASKION C-line® system offers a multitude of advantages. Some of them are listed below. The ASKION C-line® system enables the best possible sample quality to be obtained through controlled and reproducible freezing, compliance with a continuous cold chain of at least -100°C, automatic sample handling at down to -130°C, nitrogen gas phase storage at down to -185°C and continuous documentation. Furthermore, the system enables a tailor-made adaptation of the biobanks/biorepositories/cryogenic repositories to their respective requirements. As a result, it’s impossible to not reach the required dimensioning and thus enabling an efficient and targeted use of the available financial resources. In addition, the ASKION C-line® system can grow modularly with future requirements without influencing the already stored samples and the existing workflows.
The recommended sample storage temperature depends, among other things, on the sample content (cells, serum, etc.), the storage period and the downstream application. If these parameters are known, a precise selection can be made. An example of this would be the storage of stem cells and ATMPs for later transplants. These must be stored below -150°C. However, if not all parameters have been conclusively clarified, storage should always be as cold as possible.
By storing the samples in the nitrogen gas phase, cross-contamination is avoided. Scientific studies have shown that, among other things, viruses can be transferred between different sealed samples if the samples are stored directly in liquid nitrogen.
Uninterrupted cold chain means, using the ASKION C-line® system, that the samples are never handled, transferred, or stored above -100°C. These cryogenic temperatures are crucial to avoid freezing/warm-up cycles and the associated reduction in sample quality, as well as icing, and thus a loss of traceability.
The ASKION C-line® system can be adapted to almost any sample format from different manufacturers.
The sample storage in the ASKION C-line® hermetic storage takes place in the gas phase of liquid nitrogen. This form of storage avoids cross-contamination. Scientific studies have shown that, among other things, viruses can be transferred between different sealed samples if the samples are stored directly in liquid nitrogen.
The storage capacity depends on the selected storage module (HS200 S/M/L), the selected sample format and the supplier. For a rough orientation, some exemplary capacities are listed below:
HS200 S | HS200 M | HS200 L | |
0,3 ml | 78.500 | 274.000 | 830.000 |
2,0 ml | 21.100 | 64.500 | 175.000 |
In the lower part of the ASKION C-line® work bench there is a tank with liquid nitrogen. Due to the evaporation of the liquid nitrogen, a stable temperature gradient of approx. +8°C to -180°C builds up in the vertical. This temperature gradient is used to freeze the samples by a freezer basket approaching the corresponding positions, similar to a lift. It is controlled by a sample temperature sensor. At the same time, the freezing data for each sample is automatically recorded and stored in the database.
The possible freezing gradients are between 0.1 K/min and 50 K/min. The freezing curves can be created individually. In addition to constantly decreasing cooling rates, variable rates can also be mapped.
Yes, the freezing parameters can be freely defined and saved.
Yes, the ASKION C-line® system can be connected to an external IT infrastructure, e.g. LIMS, via ASKION C-line® Control. For this purpose, an exposed interface is used.
Yes, ASKION C-line® Control can be used to manage conventional storage equipment (e.g. -80°C cabinets).
The exact number of media required depends on the device(s) to be installed and varies between 1 and 5. The maximum required media are: liquid nitrogen, power connection (16 A), network connection, ventilation system (fresh air supply, exhaust air) and an oxygen warning system.
The components of the ASKION C-line® system can be purchased with medical approval. For further details, please contact your contact person.
When planning a biobank, GDPR aspects, structural features (new or existing buildings), planned/existing workflows, used sample formats, expected sample throughputs, expected storage capacities, IT requirements, transfer of existing sample collections, etc. must be taken into account. Askion is happy to support you in planning your biobank. For further details, please contact your contact person.
Askion supports you, among other things, in the planning and execution of the liquid nitrogen supply, the conception of the biobank, preparation of feasibility studies, creation of 2D/3D room models, and planning of workflows. As part of this, both existing and new partners can be considered and integrated. For further details, please contact your contact person.
Yes. Samples that have already been stored can be transferred to the ASKION C-line® system either directly or via adapter solutions.
Askion is, amongst others, certified according to ISO9001 and ISO13485.
Delivery times depend on the product to be delivered. It can range from a few days to 12 months (e.g. for the HS200 L). For further details, please contact your contact person.
The warranty on all Askion products is 12 months.
Askion offers user and technician training. For further details, please contact your contact person.
Askion offers a choice of three different service/maintenance contracts. For further details, please contact your contact person.
Askion guarantees a spare parts supply for at least 10 years. For maximum protection, you can also conclude an escrow agreement.
Yes, a demonstration of the devices is possible at any time. For this purpose, either other users or the company headquarters in Gera can be visited. For further details, please contact your contact person.
Register Now
Newsletter
Stay tuned in and don’t miss any news from Askion Biobanking.
ASKION GmbH may use my e-mail address to send me information tailored to my interests about the products and services of ASKION GmbH. To personalize newsletters, ASKION GmbH may use information about my use of newsletters and other personal data in accordance with ASKION GmbH’s data protection information. I can revoke this consent at any time with effect for the future.