Cell preservation: what it is and why it is important for animal cloning

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When we look at our pets and think of a future without them, emotions rise to the point of giving us goosebumps. A deep feeling that emerges when imagining a daily life without our best companion and friend. However, scientific advances have given us the power to decide whether we want our animal to be eternal thanks solely to cell preservation. For many people, these processes of conserving cells or tissues are already well known; but for many others, the scope of science with cloning techniques and replicas of loved ones still remains unfamiliar.

What does cell preservation consist of?

By cell preservation we mean the process of conserving cells for future use. To ensure that they remain viable and durable over time, the technique of cryopreservation is applied, which involves freezing these cells in liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures (-196ºC) in order to halt 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 with 99.99% accuracy. 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 across many different sectors:

  • Research: thanks to cryopreservation, scientists can use these cells to carry out research and develop, for example, new treatments.

  • Regenerative medicine: the preservation of tissues and stem cells is crucial for treatments aimed at regenerating cells or tissues that have lost functionality or have died. For example, for diseases such as leukaemia, these cell banks are of great importance.

  • Conservation of endangered species: these cells preserved in liquid nitrogen help prevent the extinction of animals at risk thanks to their later replication. An example is the horse Kurt, born from a surrogate mother, who is the clone of a Przewalski stallion whose DNA remained in cryogenic preservation for 42 years at the Biodiversity Bank of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

  • Cloning: the preservation of cell lines makes it possible to replicate an animal and turn its legacy into something eternal. A scientific breakthrough that is increasingly widespread among people.

When is the right time to preserve cells?

Any moment in an animal’s life is suitable for preserving its cell line. Ovoclone recommends carrying it out as early as possible and in a preventive manner, to avoid any potential issues such as diseases or even death.

Even so, up to the fifth day post-mortem it is still possible, although not with a 100% guarantee, for preservation to be successfully achieved.

And what if my pet has passed away?

This is the most frequently asked question by those interested in preserving the cell line of their pets. On many occasions, clients lose their best friend, which generates frustration, sadness, and a sea of emotions that seem to have no solution… Or perhaps there is, if it is still early enough.

When an animal passes away, its cells begin to deteriorate, losing their functionality and vitality. However, cell preservation is still possible as long as the cells or tissues reach the laboratory before the fifth day post-mortem, provided they have been kept in optimal conditions and at a refrigeration temperature between 2 and 8ºC.

Access this article to read more about the preservation or cloning of a pet after it has passed away.

If you would like to obtain more information about cell preservation, or if you are interested in carrying out this practice to preserve your pet’s genetics, do not hesitate to contact the professionals at Ovoclone.