#$%^&*AU2009200073B220120517.pdf#####SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CRYOPRESERVATION OF CELLS Abstract An auto-nucleating device (10) includes a tube (12) containing a crystalline cholesterol matrix. The ends (16) of the tube (12) are closed by a membrane (18) that is 5 impermeable to the cholesterol but permeable to liquids contained in a cryopreservation vessel. The auto-nucleating device (10) provides a site for ice nucleation during freezing of the liquid within the vessel. One such cryopreservation vessel is a flexible vial (30) having a closed port (54) at one adapted to be pierced by a needle to withdraw the liquid within, and an opposite end (56) that is initially open to receive the liquid. Another vessel io (60) includes an adaptor (65) mounted to liquid container with a tubular branch (67) closed by a needle septum (72) and another tubular branch (69) provided with a barbed fitting (70) for engaging a flexible tube (74) that terminates in a needle septum. In another embodiment, the vessel (110) includes an inlet (112) and vent branch (114) at the top of the container and an outlet septum (130) at a bottom opening.
