Programme

DRYNET (Setting an interdisciplinary/sectorial/international research network to explore dry storage as an alternative strategy for cells/germplasm biobanking) is a programme funded from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchange - Grant agreement No 734434.

The number of biobanks for diagnostic/clinical/biodiversity preservation purposes is increasing exponentially, representing an economic burden for the EU. Cryopreservation (Liquid Nitrogen LN) is the only cells/gametes long-term repository method. LN storage is expensive though, requires dedicated facilities, is hazardous, carries pathogens and has high carbon footprint.






DRYNET is the first step toward turning biobanking into a widespread and accessible technology with considerable cost saving and low environmental impact.

DRYNET objective is to set an inter-sectorial/multidisciplinary/international network between EU academic SME, the EU pan-Biobank, and international partners (Japan/Thailand), with the aim of sharing knowhow & expertise to lay down the theoretical and early empirical basis for the dry storage of cells/germplasm.

DRYNET merges the partner’s expertise, theoretical/ biophysical/ mathematical modelling, cellular/ molecular/ insect biology, embryology, mechanical engineering into a coherent approach towards dry storage of cells/germplasm. International/inter-sectorial secondments, with meeting/workshop/summer school will be primary tools to implement our strategy for biobanking.

DRYNET’s relies on water subtraction to induce a reversible block of metabolism, a survival strategy available in nature (anhydrobiosis).


DRYNET aims at establishing an interdisciplinary research team to explore the feasibility of inducing reversible drying in cells.