Success Story:AegisCell™Protects Cells from Temperature Fluctuations

Microscopy of Likarda's AegisCell hydrogel in action.

Challenge

The cold chain has long been a bottleneck for cell therapies. Shipping cryopreserved T-cells in liquid nitrogen (LN2) is costly, logistically complex, and restricts global access due to safety and handling burdens. A partner sought a scalable alternative that would maintain cell viability and function while enabling shipment on dry ice—a simpler, more cost-effective option.

Solution

Likarda’s AegisCell™ hydrogel was applied to encapsulate and protect T-cells during cryopreservation. Samples were stored in Cold Chain Technologies’ ULTimate™ shippers packed with dry ice for up to 14 days. At each time point, hydrogels were dissolved to recover cells, and outcomes were compared to standard LN2 storage.

Testing Highlights

  • Viability & Yield: T-cells in AegisCell™ on dry ice maintained the same viability and recovery as LN2 controls, despite large temperature fluctuations.
  • Metabolic Activity: After 7 days, AegisCell™ samples showed higher metabolic activity than LN2 controls; by day 14, levels were comparable.
  • Gene Expression: Key T-cell biomarkers (e.g., CD3, CD197) were upregulated 3× compared to LN2, confirming preservation of functionality.

Representative data showed T-cells in AegisCell™ shipped on dry ice retained integrity, while controls behaved as expected under LN2.

A temperature graph shows the typical fluctuations in temperature for cells on dry ice.
This temperature graph shows the typical fluctuations in temperature for cells on dry ice. When comparing the AegisCell-encapsulated T-cells that were exposed to these fluctuations, the yield and viability of the cells was the same as those stored in liquid nitrogen at constant temperature for 14 days.
A graph shows no difference in viability measurements between Liquid Nitrogen and AegisCell™ storage conditions after 2 weeks.
After 2 weeks, there was no difference in viability measurements between the 2 storage conditions.
A graph shows no statistical difference in the yield (number of cells) obtained after thawing between Liquid Nitrogen and AegisCell™ storage conditions.
Likewise, there was no statistical difference in the yield (number of cells) obtained after thawing.

Outcome

AegisCell™ enabled safe, effective T-cell cryopreservation and shipment for up to two weeks on dry ice, cutting costs by 40–60% compared to LN2 logistics. This breakthrough reduces complexity, expands clinic access, and provides a scalable, GMP-compatible path for distributing advanced cell therapies worldwide.

Impact

By solving one of the biggest challenges in cell therapy logistics—reliable dry ice shipping—AegisCell™ creates new opportunities for global clinical access, reduced costs, and streamlined supply chains.

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