Specimen science-guided construction of biobanks

Abstract

<p indent="0mm">Biological samples are known to be essential for clinical diagnosis of various diseases. They are also extremely valuable for subsequent scientific studies to unravel the mystery of illnesses. Translational medicine is an interdisciplinary field to discover new diagnostic tools and treatments by combining clinical science with basic biomedical research. Biological studies in translational medicine are increasingly dependent on large numbers of relevant specimens. Biobanks are established to collect, store, and deliver such complex specimens to meet clinical and research needs. Biobanks are biorepository facilities capable of storing large numbers of specimens. Most domestic and foreign biobanks utilize different degrees of standardization and automation to index and organize the large numbers of biological samples. It remains a challenge to accurately store various biological samples while maintaining their original biological characteristics to meet the demands of precision medicine and basic scientific research. This article focuses on current efforts in the construction and operation of biobanks to maintain accuracy and serve the complex requirements of clinical diagnosis and basic research. Firstly, the importance of sample collection, transportation, processing, storage, and information management are discussed. We emphasize the integration of clinical information and scientific research data as an essential part of biobanks. Secondly, we summarize how to maintain the biological integrity of various biological samples such as arterial and venous blood and various tissue samples. More specifically, (1) peripheral blood samples are important sources of material for liquid biopsies, while blood samples during surgeries are often collected from arteries of patients. In addition, there are significant differences in both cellular and non-cellular components between blood from arteries and veins. Therefore, it is important to differentiate these two blood samples. (2) Tissue samples are notoriously heterogenic, in particular for tumors and symmetrical organs. Thirdly, we discuss biological activities of specimens to support chimeric antigen receptor T cell immunotherapies, organoid establishment, exosome functional studies, and patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) animal models. Finally, we try to explore a multi-dimensional utilization of biological samples and aim to achieve “One specimen for multiple purposes” and “Multiple specimens for one purpose” management models as an important part of the new discipline of sample science and cryobiology. The ultimate goal is to utilize biobanks in an accurate and precise manner to aid the advancement of precision medicine and basic biological research efforts. The large number of human biological specimens managed by biobanks is poised to be an integral part of future translational medicine and fundamental biomedical research.