Biobanking

The aim of the course is to understand the founding principles of current systems of cell, organ and scaffold preservation. Scientific knowledge on cryobiology and cryobanking of germ cells, as a valuable tool for fertility preservation and storage of genetic resources are provided. The standard procedures of organ and homograft procurement and storage and the basic principles that regulate tissue and organ scaffolding, focusing on scaffold sterilization and storage, are also given. Students experience the work in a CryoLab for the application of highly efficient protocols for cryostorage of gametes, embryos and gonadal tissue and practice on homograft preparation and procedures of organ preservation, including organ perfusion, as well as on the principal steps of scaffold preparation and banking.

At the end of the course students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge on different procedures for banking gametes, embryos, gonadal tissue as well as organs, homografts and scaffolds. Practice in the lab will provide them the basic skills for preparation of samples. Their independent judgment will consist in the ability to evaluate quality of samples that can be subjected to procedures of storage.