Modernization and Improvement of the ONPRC Nonhuman Primate Reproductive Biomaterial Cryo-Repository

SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) Core at the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) supports a diverse research portfolio of studies conducted by internal investigators, foundation missions, and academic and industry partners. The ART Core provides advanced technology and exceptional expertise on nonhuman primate (NHP) gamete and ovarian follicle function, contraception, fertilization, early embryogenesis, implantation, fetal development, reproductive toxicology, and customization of NHP genomes for biomedical model development. NHP models of human disease are in high demand as the translational data obtained from studies can potentially revolutionize drug discovery and disease therapy development, supporting the many disciplines of the overall research community. Of particular relevance to this funding opportunity, the ART Core is home to a unique and nationally recognized repository, funded by an R24 mechanism, that contains cryopreserved biospecimens from multiple NHP species across multiple sources, which are accessible on demand to investigators. Currently, these biospecimens are stored in liquid nitrogen (LN2) across multiple free- standing open access containers that must be manually and diligently monitored by ART Core staff with LN2 refilled daily. Sample tracking is maintained through manual cataloguing and data entry. This type of manual storage system makes the samples susceptible to variations in temperature, spontaneous release of the vacuum, and samples being misidentified or lost. We therefore seek funding for a self-contained, automated cryogenic storage system that has multiple superior features including automatic and redundant LN2 monitoring and fill, temperature monitoring with alerts, automated sample placement and retrieval, inventory management and documentation, barcoding of samples, and partitioning of inventory. Such a system would allow the ART Core to ensure sample security and long-term preservation for the ONPRC/OHSU community and the larger biomedical research community, particularly in our mission to safeguard rare and valuable biospecimens to continue support for emerging, existing and future research programs.