About Live Cell Cryopreservation
Live cell cryopreservation is the first non-invasive method for preserving younger follicle cells for future use in regenerative medicine. As we age, our cells become less effective. Younger cells have longer telomeres, more stem cell activity, better cell health, and fewer DNA mutations. Cell cryopreservation collects and leverages younger cells for regenerative treatments that can have a significant impact on health, recovery, and combat the effects of aging.
Commonly asked questions about Live Cell Cryopreservation
Before undertaking any procedure, you will want to be confident in your knowledge. Find the details on Live Cell Cryopreservation here.
1. What is cell cryopreservation?
Cell cryopreservation is the process of collecting, freezing, and storing cells for future use. Cells are harvested from plucked hair follicles and cryogenically frozen for safety. Cryopreservation, the method of preserving biological material such as cells, tissues, or organs, involves freezing the cells at a controlled rate to protect the cells from damage and crystallization. Freezing cells at very low temperatures (-190°C) prevents aging and preserves cell integrity indefinitely. Individuals will be able to use their preserved, younger cells in future medical innovations and regenerative treatments.
2. How does cell cryopreservation work?
Follicle Collection Appointment – A trained technician will pluck and collect in-tact hair follicles. This procedure is similar to plucking brow hairs and is relatively painless. Appointments typically last about twenty minutes, and once the plucking is finished, the collection is ready for transport to a lab.
Laboratory Processing – Cells collected are thoroughly examined and analyzed for viability before undergoing cryopreservation.
Cryopreservation – The collected cells are separated into multiple vials and frozen at a temperature of -196°C to halt the aging process.
Access – The cells are safely stored and kept healthy & viable for as long as needed until they are ready for future cell-based treatments.
3. Who is a candidate for cell cryopreservation?
Candidates for cell cryopreservation are individuals who want to leverage regenerative treatments when they become available. Although there is no specific cut-off date for when to bank cells, it is recommended to bank as soon as possible as cell-based treatments are only as effective as the cells used. While no two people are alike, the average person reaches peak cellular health in their 20s and then begins an arithmetic decline into their mid-60s. At this point, the rate of aging cells begins to accelerate significantly.
4. When to consider cell cryopreservation?
Cell cryopreservation is for individuals who want to age healthier, stay active, and look better by using revolutionary regenerative treatments. Cell cryopreservation unlocks the potential for treatments such as:
- Hair regrowth
- Skin rejuvenation
- Injury recovery
- Disease treatment
Cell cryopreservation may also be beneficial in treating conditions such as:
- Cardiac conditions
- Bone and cartilage conditions
- Organ damage and/or disease
- Neurological conditions
- Orthopedic conditions
5. Which cell types are used in cell cryopreservation?
The ideal cell source collected is the hair follicle, a multi-germ cell source. The hair follicle can be non-invasively collected, replenishes naturally, and contains a diverse range of cells, including epithelial cells, connective tissue cells, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Melanocytes, nerve cells, and Merkle cells may also be present in the hair follicle.
6. What happens to cells after the collection?
After collecting the hair follicles, technicians at the preferred clinic will analyze them and confirm their viability. This is done following a visual inspection and contamination analysis of the cells. Once viability is confirmed, the hair follicles will be suspended in a liquid that protects the cells from ice crystal damage. The cells are frozen at a predetermined rate until they reach -150°C using a scientifically calibrated rate freezer. The hair follicles and cells are then cryopreserved in vapor phase liquid nitrogen at -190°C in separate vials and stored in separate cryotanks.
7. How much does cell cryopreservation cost?
Depending on the clinic, cell cryopreservation costs can vary. The final cost of cell cryopreservation is determined by factors such as initial collection, processing & retrieval fees, analysis, freezing, and the length of time in cryogenic storage. The average cost of cell cryopreservation is approximately $900. Regenerative medicine applications, such as cell cryopreservation, are still largely in development and lack precise cost estimates.
