The invention relates to a method for cryopreserving a biological sample adhered to a substrate. The method of the invention comprises freezing of adherent cells and/or intact multicellular ensembles, without detaching them from the substrate or from each other. This method utilizes a directional freezing approach, which enables control over ice crystals shape, ice growth rate and position, which have a crucial impact on the physiological revival of the sample upon thawing. The invention further relates to samples cryopreserved according to the method of the invention.
