How long can stem cells survive at minus 196 degrees Celsius?
It has not yet been conclusively determined exactly how long stem cells remain viable in liquid nitrogen. Based on the data currently available, the New York State Department of Health believes that correctly stored stem cells remain vital and viable for an unlimited period of time. In its own words: “There is no evidence at present that cells stored at -196°C in an undisturbed manner lose either in-vitro determined viability or biologic activity. Therefore, at the current time, no expiration date need be assigned to cord blood stored continuously under liquid nitrogen.” According to the current state of research, it is at least certain that stem cells from cord blood can be frozen for at least 15 years without losing functionality (Kobylka, 1998). Other investigations involving the freezing of a wide variety of cell types indicate that cells can be stored in liquid nitrogen for a practically unlimited period. Kobylka, P. Preservation of Immunological and Colony-Forming Capacities of L
