Biobank Collection

Cryostorage in the biobank

The LIB Biobank stores tissue, cells, animal DNA and environmental samples at -190°C (in the gas phase above liquid nitrogen). These samples are linked to the other LIB collections in Bonn and Hamburg. The LIB Biobank and the Biobank team are based in Bonn, but serve both LIB sites. The preparation track for sample storage from Hamburg is coordinated by the Hamburg molecular laboratory team.

On the one hand, the samples stored in the biobank are archives of studies that have already been carried out (e.g. species descriptions, genome sequencing, population studies, cell biology work, etc.), which make it possible to guarantee scientific verifiability. On the other hand, samples are frozen here that are to be preserved and made retrievable in the best possible form for future use. The ultra-cold storage and, where possible, the creation of cell cultures should enable the samples to be widely utilised by future generations - even with methods and for questions that we cannot yet foresee.

Most of the samples stored in the biobank come from Germany, but also from co-operation projects across Europe, the Caucasus and beyond (e.g. Africa, Latin America). Taxonomically, the current focus is on arthropods (insects, spiders, crustaceans, etc.) and vertebrates as well as environmental samples (e.g. DNA from soil or water samples).

To search for molecular samples (at the LIB and in the Global Genome Biodiversity Network), please visit the GGBN portalor theLIB collection portal. For material enquiries and storage, please send us an email.