Azenta Automated Cryogenic Storage (-190°C)
Reliable Sample Integrity
The CryoArc™ series offers automated, liquid nitrogen-based storage at a stable -190°C. These systems are designed to protect the long-term viability of sensitive biological materials, such as cell and gene therapy products, by maintaining a consistent thermal chain of custody.
Scalable Automation
By replacing manual handling with robotic retrieval, the CryoArc™ range reduces the risk of human error and transient warming. The portfolio includes multiple configurations—from the compact Pico to the large-scale Tera—providing scalable solutions for research, clinical, and industrial biobanking applications.
| Feature | CryoArc™ Pico | CryoArc™ Deca | CryoArc™ Tera | CryoArc™ Tera for Cassettes |
| Temperature | -190°C (LN2 Vapor) | -190°C (LN2 Vapor) | -190°C (LN2 Vapor) | -190°C (LN2 Vapor) |
| Storage Capacity | Up to 8,800 2ml vials (88 boxes) | Up to 26,600 2ml vials (266 boxes) | Up to 63,000 2ml vials (630 boxes) | Up to 990 250ml cryo cassettes |
| Container Types | Standard Cryoboxes | Standard Cryoboxes | Vials & 25ml/50ml Cassettes | 250ml Cryo Cassettes |
| Access Type | Automated Robotic | Automated Robotic | Automated Robotic | Automated Robotic |
| Cooling Method | Liquid Nitrogen | Liquid Nitrogen | Liquid Nitrogen | Liquid Nitrogen |
Contact Philippe Loir your Sample Storage expert
- Automated -190°C LN2 vapor-phase storage
- 15-day emergency hold time for maximum sample security
- Robotic retrieval eliminates transient warming events
- Scalable solutions from 8,800 to 63,000 vial capacity
- Full LIMS connectivity and 21-CFR-11 compliance
- Automated -190°C LN2 vapor-phase storage
- 15-day emergency hold time for maximum sample security
- Robotic retrieval eliminates transient warming events
- Scalable solutions from 8,800 to 63,000 vial capacity
- Full LIMS connectivity and 21-CFR-11 compliance
Versatile Mid-Range Storage
CryoArc™ Deca: The Standard for Clinical Scale-Up
The CryoArc™ Deca is specifically engineered for facilities transitioning from research to clinical scale-up. It provides a balanced footprint while offering a significant capacity of up to 26,600 vials.
• Enhanced Sample Safety: Automated robotic picking eliminates the need for manual handling inside the -190°C environment, protecting both the operator and the sample integrity.
• Thermal Stability: Advanced LN2 vapor-phase technology ensures consistent temperatures throughout the entire storage chamber.
• Reliable Access: Integrated software provides a full audit trail and precise inventory management for high-value biological assets.
Technical Deep Dive
Explore the Anatomy of Automated Cryo-Storage
Discover the internal engineering that powers the CryoArc™ Deca. This technical guide details the insulated robotic tower, integrated LIMS connectivity, and the LN2-based tank design that maintains a consistent -190°C environment with a 15-day emergency hold time.
Compact Automated Storage
CryoArc™ Pico Space-Efficient Cryogenic Automation
The CryoArc™ Pico is designed for laboratories that require high-integrity cryogenic storage within a compact footprint. It is an ideal solution for managing smaller, high-value collections without compromising on the benefits of full automation.
• Small Footprint: Optimized for space-constrained environments while providing storage for up to 8,800 2ml vials.
• Minimized Risk: Automated retrieval eliminates the "frosting" and warming risks associated with manual dewars or upright freezers.
• Plug-and-Play Integration: Designed for easy implementation into existing lab workflows with minimal site preparation.
CryoArc™ Pico
Technical & Operational FAQ
Yes. The Pico is engineered with a compact footprint specifically for facilities with limited floor space. It allows labs to implement full cryogenic automation without the need for major infrastructure modifications.
The system utilizes an insulated robotic tower that extracts specific vials within the LN2 vapor phase. This ensures that neighboring "innocent" samples are never exposed to ambient temperatures, preventing cumulative warming cycles.
The Pico provides a 15-day emergency hold time. Its internal UPS and absolute encoders ensure that even during a power loss, the system retains exact inventory coordinates for an immediate, safe restart.
High-Capacity Industrial Storage
CryoArc™ Tera: Scalable Solutions for Large-Scale Biobanking
The CryoArc™ Tera is the premier solution for large-scale industrial biobanking and commercial-scale cell and gene therapy production. It offers the highest storage density in the series, supporting up to 63,000 vials.
• Massive Throughput: Built for high-volume environments that require frequent, rapid, and reliable access to large sample libraries.
• Format Flexibility: Unique compatibility with both standard cryoboxes and 25ml/50ml storage cassettes, allowing for diverse inventory management.
• Uncompromising Integrity: Maintains a strict -190°C vapor-phase environment even during high-frequency picking operations to ensure long-term sample viability.
CryoArc™ Tera
Implementation & Compliance FAQ
The Tera is optimized for bulk storage, accommodating up to 63,000 2ml vials. Unlike the smaller models, it is specifically configured to handle high-density 25ml and 50ml cassettes alongside standard cryoboxes.
Yes. The Tera features heavy-duty robotics designed for the high-duty cycles of commercial biobanking. It maintains a strict -190°C environment even during constant retrieval operations required in industrial production.
The Tera uses integrated software with full LIMS connectivity to track every movement at the tube and box level. This provides the comprehensive audit trails necessary for 21-CFR-11 compliance in regulated commercial workflows.