The Future of Biobanking: Meeting Tomorrow’s Challenges

Abstract

Biobanking has traditionally encompassed the collection, processing, and storage of biological samples and other specimens from environmental sources. Most of the procedures currently used by biobanks have involved processing tissue and blood samples. Formalin-fixation of tissue samples and storage at ambient temperature, and freezing blood fractions are the normal methodologies. However, recent developments in biospecimen management promise to revolutionize biobanking. Economic pressures have resulted in new storage technologies, including dry storage, which promise to reduce the high cost of freezer storage. New analysis platforms including genome-wide association studies and metabolomics have altered biospecimen processing schemes. Sample types have evolved to include circulating tumor cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. These developments will lead to the need for additional methods to assure their proper processing and storage for translational research studies. As these new developments evolve and international collaborations continue to grow, there will be an additional need to coordinate best practices and continue to perform biospecimen methods research to develop evidence-based practices. In addition to technical aspects, there are serious ethical and regulatory concerns that will require additional guidance, including consideration of issues around the return of research results to biospecimen donors, and reporting incidental clinical findings.