Ice-free sample temperature control
CoolBox eliminates contamination risk and temperature variability of ice
The Mill Valley, California, US-based developer of portable tools for temperature-sensitive biomedical sample handling says the portable and reusable cartridge technology eliminates the risk of contamination and temperature variability associated with the use of ice.
Unlike sealed plastic coolers, which require refreezing overnight, CoolBox gives unlimited cooling by simply switching cartridges, the company says. The cartridges consist of a gel pack with a thermo-conductive alloy shell, which enables fast recharge in a standard –20ºC lab freezer. A single cartridge provides 4–10 hours of ice-free cooling at 0.5ºC to 4ºC depending on whether the CoolBox lid is off or on.
BioCision’s CoolBox PCR96 and CoolBox PCR384 system kits each include one CoolBox Microplate with lid, one CoolRack PCR (either 384- or 96-well) and one +2ºC cooling cartridge. Additional +2ºC cartridges are available separately.
The kit offers iso-temperature control during the entire cooling period and the thermo-conductivity of CoolRack PCR ensures the system will quickly equilibrate to +2ºC, with less than 0.1ºC variation between wells, eliminating temperature inconsistencies between centre and outer rows.
Brian Schryver, BioCision’s vice president of research and product development, says the compact design and ice-free technology make CoolBox an ideal choice for use in tissue culture hoods, biosafety cabinets, GMP suites and other situations where space is restricted or where ice could be a source of contamination.
‘The versatility of the system is unrivalled, with the option of using dry ice rather than a cartridge cooling source, when CoolBox becomes a personal benchtop cryo-station. Samples can be safely snap-frozen, without the use of alcohol, in less than 30 seconds,’ he added.
The CoolBox is lightweight and fracture-proof enabling it to be used for patient or biomedical sample collection.
The CoolBox Microplate is also compatible with CoolSink SBS format thermoconductive multiwell plate holders and CoolRack for 96 x 1ml storage tubes such as those from Matrix or Micronics, among others.
You may also like
Manufacturing
Lonza appoints Hans Trees as Global Head of Communications
Read moreHans Trees will join Lonza as Global Head of Communications, Senior Vice President and Member of the Extended Executive Committee, effective 1 September 2026. Hans combines deep industry experience with a strong track record in stakeholder engagement, most recently serving as Global Head of External Engagement at Roche
Trending Articles
You may also like
Manufacturing
Lonza appoints Hans Trees as Global Head of Communications
Hans Trees will join Lonza as Global Head of Communications, Senior Vice President and Member of the Extended Executive Committee, effective 1 September 2026. Hans combines deep industry experience with a strong track record in stakeholder engagement, most recently serving as Global Head of External Engagement at Roche
Manufacturing
AlzeCure licenses Alzheimer’s candidate ACD680 to Lilly in deal worth up to $1bn
AlzeCure Pharma has entered a global licensing and collaboration agreement with Eli Lilly for its Alzheimer's disease candidate ACD680, securing a $10m upfront payment and potential milestone payments exceeding $1bn
Manufacturing
Safety in pharmaceutical manufacturing: why a trusted partner makes all the difference
By taking a three-tiered approach to protecting patients and personnel and ensuring plant compliance, GEA adopts a consultative approach to helping its customers navigate the responsibilities of pharmaceutical manufacturing safety with confidence
Manufacturing
Aragen to manufacture Renaissance Pharma’s FDA Fast Track mAb as part of ongoing strategic collaboration
CRDMO successfully scaled and transferred Renaissance Pharma’s lead candidate, Daretabart a humanised monoclonal antibody targeting GD2 for high-risk neuroblastoma, in just 9 months
Manufacturing
Next expansion milestone achieved: SCHOTT Pharma opens production facility in Serbia to strengthen competitiveness in Europe
After a double-digit million euro investment and less than 1.5 years of construction, SCHOTT Pharma opens new manufacturing site in Jagodina, Serbia. Production capacity to meet European market demand for pharmaceutical ampoules. Facility brings around 180 new jobs to the region