Porous HCG scaffolds are provided in a perfusion bioreactor. Cells are seeded in the HCG scaffolds and cell culture media is perfused through the bioreactor to allow for cell seeding and growth. The cell culture media is removed, the HCG-cell constructs washed, and then preserved in the bioreactor with a perfusion comprising cryopreservation fluid comprising one or more of DMSO, trehalose, glycerol, ethylene glycol, or serum. The HCG-cell constructs (or the perfusion chambers containing them) are then removed from the bioreactor and placed in a cryopreservant media and maintained at about −80° C. The frozen HCG-cell constructs (or the chambers containing them) can then be stored at a suitable cryogenic temperature until needed. When needed, frozen HCG-cell constructs can be removed from cold storage and thawed using suitable means.
