Modular Capsule Cryopreservation Device

This open hardware package was designed to facilitate cryopreservation using pharmaceutical hard capsules, which can be made of gelatin or plant-based materials, as containers. These capsules have been used in the cryopreservation of aquatic species' gametes as an alternative to more traditional containers like straws and cryovials, offering a more accessible, low-cost, and biodegradable solution.

The package includes a versatile rack with two interlocking pieces: when used together, the rack is configured for size 3 capsules, and when the top piece is removed, it adapts to accommodate size 0 capsules. This allows users to fill the capsules with the material to be cryopreserved. Additionally, a modular device specifically designed for size 3 capsules, enabling their secure placement during the cryopreservation process and subsequent storage in liquid nitrogen tanks. To use the system, simply fill the capsule with the sample, insert it into the device, and attach the device piece to "seal" it. The tip device is then covered with a small cap, ensuring a secure cryopreservation setup.

This package was developed at the Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center (AGGRC) at the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. The package was originally designed by Thaiza Freitas. This work was developed during a doctoral exchange stay funded by the CAPES-PrInt program.