Banking on human matter
IT MIGHT look like a spaceaged vending machine but this $400,000 automated biostorage facility is in essence a potentially life saving bank of human matter – the first of its kind in Australia.
Made to hold over 100,000 specimens of human tissue, blood, placenta and brain matter (to name a few) the Arktic, part of the new Griffith Biobank, is expected to attract new science and health researchers to the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge precinct.
The Gold Coast Biobank, which officially opened on the Gold Coast yesterday, has been designed to cut down on the time it takes to complete clinical trials.
Instead of sourcing thousands of samples from volunteers for their tests, researchers can now use the Arktic to automatically select from thousands of micropacked samples in just a click of a button.
Established by Menzies Health Institute Queensland (MHIQ), Gold Coast Biobank is a purpose-built bio-storage facility set to help treatment and management of chronic diseases such as breast cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s.
“Biobank is an important resource where people generously donate samples that allow us to carry out research to find cures for chronic diseases. Without this we wouldn’t be able to find cures of the future,’’ Biobank director Professor Nigel McMillan said. “The facility holds more than 3000 samples from breast cancer patients and 1500 placenta cord specimens.
“With this state-of-the-art technology, people can come to us with their project and can test rapidly.
“They can also select specific characteristics of their candidates, such as age.
“Traditionally specimens were stored in liquid nitrogen tanks and had to be removed individually – this is a much more hi-tech solution.”
Donations of matter have been made by those who have undergone surgery and have given their consent.
Current projects using the facility include a study into placental health and another looking into breast cancer.