Methods and devices for cryopreservation of biological cells and tissues

A method for cryopreservation of a cell, comprising:

• placing a cell in a bag including a cryoprotectant agent and placing the bag into a first container;
• placing the first container into a second container whereby an insulating space is defined between the first container and the second container;
• sealing the second container;
• gradually cooling the cell in cryoprotectant at a first cooling rate of from about 1° C./minute to about 3° C./minute by placing the bag in a first cooling device providing a first surrounding temperature of between about −60° C. to about −80° C. until a first temperature of the cell and cryoprotectant agent of between about −30° C. to about −80° C. is reached;
• wherein the first cooling rate is optimized for the cell type and controlled by the wall thickness of the second container and/or insulative properties of the first and/or second container;
• and
• transferring the sealed second container to a second cooling device providing a second surrounding temperature which is lower than the first surrounding temperature and is between about −80° C. to about −196° C.;
• whereby the cell placed in the first container is cryopreserved.