ODIN Bioscience is a supplier of biological materials to the life science research industry, providing blood, cell, and tissue products for preclinical and translational research. The company supports a broad range of non-clinical species, including specialized access to non-human primate samples, mice, rats, rabbits, beagles, minipigs, as well as human clinical samples representing both normal and disease states.
To support research workflows, ODIN Bioscience focuses on the reliable sourcing, processing, and distribution of high-quality biological specimens.
Gabriel Rezonzew, M.D., Chief Operating Officer at ODIN Bioscience, is responsible for operational infrastructure, process development, and workflow optimization across the organization. As sample volumes continued to scale, the organization faced increasing operational complexity in managing cryovial processing, tracking, and cryogenic storage.
Automating Cryovial Workflows at ODIN Bioscience
The Challenge: Scaling Cryovial Processing Without Compromising Efficiency
ODIN Bioscience was generating large volumes of cryovials, and manual capping and decapping had become a significant bottleneck in daily operations. The existing workflow relied on 2.0 ml cryovials stored in a traditional 81-format configuration (2” height boxes), which limited scalability and automation potential.
The organization needed to:
- Reduce manual handling and labor intensity
- Improve processing efficiency through automation
- Adapt cryostorage systems to support higher-density formats
- Enhance usability for end clients handling stored samples
Additionally, clients were experiencing challenges when storing and pipetting thawed samples from the vials, creating an opportunity to further optimize the overall user experience.
The Solution: Transition to a 96-Format Automated System
To address these challenges, ODIN Bioscience partnered with NBS Scientific and transitioned to the Micronic product portfolio.
The implemented solution included:
• Micronic Screwcap Recappers for automated capping and decapping
• 1.4 ml Micronic cryovials
• Assorted color-coded caps for improved sample identification
• Customized racks engineered to accommodate 96-format 2.5” height boxes
This shift from an 81-format to a 96-format configuration significantly increased storage density while enabling automated processing.
Implementation: A Complex but Strategic Transition
Retrofitting existing systems proved more complex than initially anticipated.
The transition required;
• Modifications to the internal data storage platform
• Adjustments to LN2 dewar storage configurations
• Workflow recalculations
• Engineering and manufacturing of customized cryostorage racks
NBS Scientific provided engineering support to design and manufacture racks compatible with 96-format 2.5” boxes for LN2 storage tanks. This technical collaboration ensured that the new system integrated smoothly with ODIN’s infrastructure.
Once all modifications were completed, the upgraded system operated seamlessly.
Results: Measurable Efficiency Gains Through Automation
The biggest impact of the transition has been automation-driven efficiency.
By implementing automated recapping and increasing storage density, ODIN Bioscience achieved;
• Reduced manual handling of cryovials
• Improved workflow efficiency
• Increased processing capacity
• More streamlined cryostorage management
In addition, ODIN Bioscience enhanced the client experience by including sterile transfer pipettes with every order, facilitating easier sample recovery after thawing.
The collaboration with NBS Scientific was described as “great,” with product quality, service, and automation capabilities standing out as key differentiators.
Why ODIN Bioscience chose this solution
For ODIN Bioscience, the most important factors were operational efficiency, reliability, and scalability. The combination of automated screwcap recappers, high-quality 1.4 ml cryovials, and flexible rack solutions allowed them to:
• Reduce manual handling and labor intensity
• Streamline cryogenic storage workflows
• Support higher-density, automation-ready storage
This approach directly addressed their challenges while improving usability for clients handling thawed samples. Based on this experience, ODIN Bioscience would “absolutely” recommend this solution to other organizations seeking to optimize cryogenic sample management.
Continuing to Build Scalable Cryogenic Workflows
With its transition to automated cryovial processing and optimized 96-format cryogenic storage, ODIN Bioscience has built a laboratory infrastructure designed for growth. What began as a need to reduce manual capping and decapping has evolved into a broader operational upgrade, one that supports higher throughput, improved efficiency, and a better experience for their clients.
By aligning automation, storage density, and workflow standardization, ODIN Bioscience has strengthened its ability to manage increasing sample volumes without compromising quality or control. The result is a more resilient and future-ready cryogenic sample management strategy.
To learn more about ODIN Bioscience and its work, visit their website here.
