Fresh Frozen Tissue

Frozen tissuesare collected from various sources, such as surgical specimens and biopsies, and are quickly frozen to maintain their native molecular and cellular integrity. Cryopreservation, the process of preserving tissues at extremely low temperatures, typically -80°C or in liquid nitrogen, helps to minimize the degradation of nucleic acids, proteins, and other biomolecules. This preservation technique allows researchers to study the samples accurately, leading to more reliable and reproducible results.

“Frozen tissues provide a unique snapshot of cellular, molecular, and structural information in their native state.”

Biomedical research has made significant strides in understanding the molecular basis of diseases, developing novel therapeutics, and improving diagnostic tools. A key factor in this progress is the use of high-quality biological specimens, particularly frozen tissues, which have become an indispensable resource for researchers, providing valuable insights into disease mechanisms, gene expression, protein function, and metabolic pathways. In this essay, we will discuss the importance of frozen tissues for research, their preservation methods, and their applications in various fields of study. The use of frozen tissue samples in research spans a wide range of applications, including but not limited to the following:

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

Frozen tissue biosamples have become an indispensable resource for IHC studies, offering high-quality material that preserves the molecular and structural integrity of the sample. This powerful method allows scientists to study the distribution, expression, and function of proteins, providing essential insights into cellular processes, disease mechanisms, and potential therapeutic targets. By using frozen tissue biosamples, researchers can ensure accurate and reliable analysis with minimal degradation or alteration of proteins. This preservation technique is particularly important when studying labile or transient proteins susceptible to degradation or modification during sample processing.

Gene expression analysis

Accurate and reliable gene expression analysis requires high-quality biological samples, and frozen tissue biosamples have become an invaluable resource in this context. By preserving the molecular and structural integrity of the sample, frozen tissue biosamples allow researchers to obtain a snapshot of gene expression patterns that closely resemble the native state.

Proteomics

Researchers analyze protein expression, post-translational modifications, and protein-protein interactions in frozen tissue biosamples using techniques like mass spectrometry, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and western blotting.

Metabolomics

Frozen tissue biosamples are employed to study the metabolic profiles of cells, tissues, or organisms. Techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) are used to analyze metabolites.

In situ hybridization

A powerful technique used to detect and localize specific DNA or RNA sequences within cells and tissues. Frozen tissue biosamples are particularly valuable for ISH because they maintain the molecular and structural integrity of the sample, allowing for accurate and reliable analysis and allowing researchers to gain important insights into gene expression patterns, cellular localization of transcripts, and the distribution of specific DNA sequences within tissues.

Biomarker discovery

Frozen tissue biosamples play a crucial role in biomarker discovery, which involves the identification of measurable substances, such as proteins, nucleic acids, or metabolites, that serve as indicators of biological processes, disease states, or responses to therapy. Biomarkers can be used for various purposes, including disease diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring therapeutic responses, and predicting treatment outcomes. The use of frozen tissues in biomarker discovery is advantageous due to their ability to maintain the molecular and structural integrity of the sample, allowing for accurate and reliable analysis.

Disease modelling

A fundamental aspect of biomedical research is understanding disease mechanisms, identifying therapeutic targets, and evaluating potential treatments. High-quality biological samples are essential for creating accurate and reliable models of human diseases, and frozen tissue biosamples have become an indispensable resource in this context. By preserving the molecular and structural integrity of the sample, frozen tissue biosamples enable researchers to study cells, tissues, and organs in a state that closely resembles their native condition.

Transplantation research

Transplantation research is an ever-evolving field that aims to improve the outcomes of organ and tissue transplantation by addressing challenges such as graft rejection, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and organ scarcity. Frozen tissue biosamples have emerged as a valuable resource in transplantation research, providing critical insights into the molecular and cellular aspects of transplanted tissues.

Regenerative medicine

Research focuses on repairing, replacing, or regenerating damaged or lost cells, tissues, or organs to restore their normal function. This revolutionary approach holds immense promise for treating diseases and injuries that were once considered untreatable. Frozen tissue biosamples have emerged as a vital resource in regenerative medicine, providing essential insights into stem cell biology, tissue regeneration, and cell-based therapies.

When considering a new frozen tissue biosamples provider, researchers should check factors such as sample quality, storage conditions, and the availability of associated clinical data and confirm that informed consent is a mandatory requirement from patients before acquiring their biosamples for research purposes. Additionally, researchers must adhere to strict ethical guidelines, follow relevant regulations, and respect patient privacy.

Please click on the links below to inquire about the Compare Biomarket® range of clinical biospecimens and services suitable for your unique human health research needs.