UK Biocentre and Azenta Life Sciences Partner on Sample Storage Capabilities for Biomedical Research
UK Biocentre will now utilize Azenta Life Sciences’ automated storage system, which gives the center storage capacity for more than 35 million biosamples.
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UK Biocentre announced on Jan. 23, 2025 that it has installed a state-of-the-art automated storage system, the BioArc Ultra automated storage system, which has been provided by Azenta Life Sciences. The upgrade to the automated system supports the UK Biocentre’s capabilities in advancing biomedical research.
The system enhances UK Biocentre’s storage capabilities at its Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, facility, allowing for better high-capacity bioprocessing and analysis. The 70,000-square-foot facility has capacity for storing more than 35 million biosamples. This storage capability enables the center to support large-scale projects such as Our Future Health, the most comprehensive health research program in the UK, which involves up to five million participants, according to the center’s press release (1,2). In October 2024, Our Future Health became the largest longitudinal cohort study worldwide that uses blood samples, according to UK Research and Innovation (3).
“We are thrilled to announce that UK Biocentre is commissioning an Azenta Life Sciences BioArc Ultra -80 automated sample storage system. Capable of holding more than 16 (million) samples, the BioArc will be located at our site in Milton Keynes and brought online and operational by early 2026,” said Tony Cox, PhD, chief executive officer of UK Biocentre, in the press release (1). “The advanced cooling technology at the heart of the BioArc system means that UK Biocentre will remain at the cutting edge of very large-scale sample storage innovation, and at the same time deliver our mission to reduce the environmental impact of long-term support for vital clinical and life science research projects across the world. We are proud to partner with Azenta Life Sciences to bring this unique offering to the UK, enabling us to maximize the potential of every sample.”
The BioArc Ultra system offers eco-friendly, fully automated storage at -80 °C and is designed to reduce operational footprints, labor, and energy costs. Compared to traditional systems, it uses natural air-cooling technology, which aligns with the center’s aim to lower carbon emissions while maintaining sample integrity. The organization is an important collaborator in the scientific community and is known for supporting groundbreaking research and high-quality sample management, which includes automated storage that offers integrated sample lineage and traceability, minimized thermal disruption, and high-speed robotic picking.
"We are excited to support UK Biocentre with the advanced automation sample storage capabilities of the BioArc Ultra. The addition of the BioArc Ultra delivers on the promise of enabling breakthroughs faster through substantial improvements in proven automation and refrigeration technology that ensures critical sample integrity while streamlining workflows and ensuring sustainability,” said Alex Esmon, vice-president and general manager, Global Products, Azenta Life Sciences, in the release.
References
1. UK Biocentre. UK Biocentre Partners with Azenta Life Sciences to Revolutionize Sample Storage in Biomedical Research. Press Release. Jan. 23, 2025.
2. Our Future Health. Our Research Mission. ourfuturehealth.org.uk (accessed Jan. 29, 2025).
3. UK Research and Innovation. Our Future Health Becomes Largest Research Programme of Its Kind. Press Release. Oct. 14, 2024.
