Home

The BMRI Biorepository Unit, which forms part of the state-of-the-art Biomedical Research Institute housed within the Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, is a purpose-built facility that offers a range of biorepository services to clients in both academia and industry. Some of the services include sample processing, -80˚C storage, -190˚C vapour phase storage as well as sample shipping.

The biorepository utilises the Hamilton BiOS, a large-scale, automated biological storage system, to assist in the management and storage of samples. The Hamilton BiOS offers an alternative storage option to upright and chest -80˚C freezers, conserving costs, energy, and space while ensuring sample integrity, easy access, and tracking. Through its cutting-edge robotic technology, a vast array of biological specimens can be stored and retrieved from the system within minutes from a single secure location, without compromising sample integrity. The unit’s BiOS was the first automated storage system of this scale to be commissioned in the Southern Hemisphere and has a sample capacity of approximately 3.5 million. The system is also upgradeable to store an additional 3 to 5 million samples.

The BiOS is equipped with multiple redundant backup systems and conditions are continuously monitored with remote alerts to on-call staff. The automated system provides two layers of refrigeration redundancy, with additional access to liquid nitrogen to protect the samples in the event of multiple failures. The Unit is also supplied with generators and UPS systems for backup power.

The Biorepository also offers long term cryopreservation using liquid nitrogen vapour phase storage. Inventory management is achieved using a LIMS and conditions are monitored continuously to ensure sample integrity is not compromised. Services are automated where applicable, using the sophisticated Hamilton EasyBlood STAR robotic liquid handling system and includes nucleic acid extractions from bodily fluids; aliquot preparation; and the aspiration of blood fractions The Hamilton STAR offers great flexibility in terms of sample processing for biobanking applications and the automation of the extraction process on the platform extends a dependable, cost-effective solution for high throughput workloads.

We offer custom solutions to the biorepository needs of clients – whether it is assisting with study planning, budget preparations, protocol developments, or any supplementary service within our scope that supports research outcomes. Application for storage and processing is electronic and can be approved within a few hours. Through compliance with biobanking standards and the implementation of a quality management system, the Biorepository Unit devotes itself to assuring the consistent quality of the specimens processed and stored at its facility.

Guaranteed sample integrity, security and traceability

Client reviews

“We use the Biorepository Unit as secure backup storage for our yeast strains. Working with them has always been hassle-free, professional, and a true pleasure. I sleep better at night knowing our organisms are safe and secure."Antonie Meyer, Biotechnologist, Puris Natural Aroma Chemicals

"As a small company with limited resources, it is so helpful to be able to access the storage services at the Biorepository Unit. Being able to store samples offsite has given us peace of mind. It is an exceptional and top-class facility, while being affordable and the staff are always helpful and responsive."Tasneem, COO, Newform Foods

"We were the first researchers to store our samples in the Biorepository Unit and have received service of the highest quality ever since. Their storage and processing facilities are exceptionally accessible and efficient, ensuring our samples are handled with the utmost care and precision. We highly recommend their service."Derrick Smit, Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tygerberg Campus

"The Biorepository Unit provides reliable processing services and a knowledgeable, responsive team who can support the rigor of clinical trials. It is a pleasure to work with such a friendly, efficient team" Regards, Dr Firdows Noor, Biomedical Research Institute Clinical Team, Tygerberg Campus.

"BIOS has gone out of their way to make our transition to storage in their facility smooth and hassle-free. Any challenges we have experienced are ironed out and we are supported as much as possible. Their service and support is fantastic and friendly and we don’t have to stress anymore about our freezers defrosting and losing samples, or the liquid nitrogen running out over the holidays – they just do it all for us. I would highly recommend using them for your storage needs!"Dr Ingrid Webster, Mitosaken Research team, Medical Physiology, FMHS, SU

In my experience, the Biorepository Unit is unequivocally the best addition of services throughout the whole community of scientific research from a laboratory perspective. Working with the BiOS Research Group is easy, hassle-free, and always a pleasure. They accommodate all your needs and set up work-flows tailor-made to your requirements. Storage, retrieval, and billing of samples are precise and efficient, giving you peace of mind and saving your team time. State-of-the-art equipment is used, and the integrity of your specimens are always ensured. In addition, they offer highly sophisticated processing services, such as RNA extraction not always readily available for most research groups. We have been using the Biorepository Unit for various protocols and processing requirements, without any obstacles or delays presented. The Biorepository Unit has allowed us to accommodate and support more clinical research and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with them. "Regards, Anneen van Deventer, Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Laboratory Manager."

Over the past two years, I have had an exceptional experience with your services. Your facilities have consistently impressed me with their efficiency, reliability, and accessibility, ensuring smooth operations for our projects. The outstanding support from your staff, coupled with the modern technology and well-maintained environment, has significantly enhanced the quality and impact of our research."Faud Waja, Reproductive Immunology Research Consortium in Africa (RIRCA)"