Liquid nitrogen tanks for cell storage are liquid-phase cryopreservation methods in which cells are immersed in liquid nitrogen at -196°C;
Conventional thinking suggests that it is difficult for bacteria to grow in a consistently cold environment, so cells stored in liquid nitrogen containers are not exposed to stray bacteria and the tanks do not need to be cleaned and sterilised if they are kept cold at all times.
Is this the right idea?
KGSQ manufacturers tell you that this idea is wrong. Liquid nitrogen tanks for cell storage, even if they are always filled with liquid nitrogen, need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly, for the safety of biological samples!
Bacteria cannot easily survive in -196°C liquid nitrogen, but this does not mean that they will not thrive, and those that can adapt to the cold environment are still inevitable. In addition, it is not uncommon for external water molecules to get mixed into the container and reduce the purity of the liquid nitrogen. Occasionally, lyophilisation tubes may fall out or break, or cells may fall out.
All things considered, it is essential to clean and disinfect cell storage tanks regularly!
Cleaning is also simple: after transferring the cell storage rack, rinse it with warm water not exceeding 40°C, then wipe off the wall of the tank for cell storage with a soft cloth and finally rinse with water and leave to air dry or blow dry.
Disinfection can be carried out by mixing neutral detergent into warm water, taking care not to use acid, which can easily react with aluminium alloy and affect the insulation level of the liquid nitrogen tank.
