When we look at our pets and think of a future without them, emotions rise to the point that our skin crawls. A deep feeling that is born when we imagine a day to day life without our best companion and friend. However, scientific advances have given us the power to choose whether we want our animal to be eternal through cellular preservation alone. For many people, these processes of cell or tissue preservation are more than well known; not so for many others, who are still unaware of the scope of science with cloning techniques and tissue replication.
What is cell preservation?
By cell preservation we mean the process of conserving cells for future use. To make them viable and durable over time, the technique of cryopreservation is applied, which involves freezing these cells in liquid nitrogen at very low temperatures (-196ºC) in order to stop biological activity and thus successfully preserve all their functionalities.
Thanks to this cell preservation, any animal that undergoes this technique will have an infinite legacy, as its genetics can be replicated 99.99%. But there are also other important applications.
Why is cell preservation important?
Cell preservation, although it may seem like a novel and innovative concept, has been practised for many years. And for many different sectors:
- Research: thanks to cryopreservation, scientists can use these cells to conduct research and develop, for example, new treatments.
- Regenerative medicine: the preservation of tissues and stem cells is crucial for cellular regeneration treatments or for the regeneration of tissues that have lost function or have died. For example, for diseases such as leukaemia, such cell banks are of great importance.
- Reproductive medicine: cryopreservation of eggs and sperm is essential for assisted reproduction.
- Conservation of endangered species: these cells preserved in liquid nitrogen prevent the extinction of endangered animals thanks to their subsequent replication. One example is the horse Kurt, born from a surrogate mother, is the clone of a Przewalski stallion whose DNA remained in cryopreservation for 42 years in the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s Biodiversity Bank at the San Diego Zoo.
- Cloning: the preservation of cell lines makes it possible to replicate an animal and make its legacy eternal. A scientific breakthrough that is becoming more and more widespread among the public.
When is the right time to preserve cells?
Any time in the animal’s life is suitable for preserving its cell line. What is recommended by Ovoclone is to carry it out as soon as possible and in a preventive way to avoid any inconvenience that may occur, such as disease or even death.
Even so, up to the fifth day post mortem it is possible, although not 100% guaranteed, that preservation will be successful.
What if my pet has died?
This question is the most repeated by those interested in preserving their pet’s cell line. On numerous occasions, clients lose their best friend, which generates frustration, sadness and a sea of emotions that hardly have a solution… Or yes, if it is still early.
When an animal dies, the cells deteriorate and lose their functionality and vitality. However, cell preservation is possible as long as the cells or tissues have reached the laboratory before the fifth day post mortem, provided they have been kept in optimal conditions and at a refrigeration temperature of between 2 and 8ºC.
Access this article to read more about pet preservation or cloning after death.
If you would like to learn more about cell preservation or if you are interested in this practice to preserve your pet’s genetics, please do not hesitate to contact the professionals at Ovoclone.
