BioLife Solutions, Inc. announced the launch of Ultraguard, the first ever non-toxic, non-hazardous and non-flammable-70degC phase change material, for ultra-low temperature (ULT) protection. The two primary customer applications for use of Ultraguard include temperature holdover in cases where ULT freezers are without power for various reasons, and in benchtop biologic material storage as an alternative to dry ice, addressing any limitations or risks associated with supply, cost, or safety. With the increase in more complex biologic storage and transport needs, ULT protection has become an essential tool needed for the life science industry.

However, this type of storage remains challenging to maintain throughout the cold chain in the face of heightened weather events, electrical grid uncertainty, and possible black and brownouts. It can also be geographically limiting through grid power and dry ice availability. By combining ULT freezers with -70degC PCM, organizations now have an added option for "emer emergency backup" to protect against these uncertainties.

The effectiveness of this product has been successfully beta tested with key BioLife customers, including a top logistics provider and a major global health organization. The Ultraguard PCM form factor is an ergonomic-friendly plastic bottle or "brick" that is "charged" or conditioning from a liquid to a frozen solid state by freezing below -80degC to store up the necessary amount of cooling energy. Visual confirmation of charge completion is provided by a color change and once the brick has crystalized, it is ready to extend ultracold temperature times inside a ULT freezer cabinet.