Cell Cryopreservation Solution 'SOFORO Cryo' Wins the 76th Industrial Technology Award

Saraya Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka; President & Representative Director: Yusuke Saraya) is pleased to announce that the development technology for its cell cryopreservation solution 'SOFORO Cryo' has received the 76th Industrial Technology Award (hosted by the Osaka Industrial Research Association).

Now in its 76th year, the 'Industrial Technology Award' is a historic award presented to engineers who have made significant contributions to industrial research, inventions, and technological advancements.

The award-winning 'SOFORO Cryo' is a DMSO-free cell cryopreservation solution formulated with Saraya's proprietary biosurfactant, Sophorolipid (SOFORO). It offers high cell preservation efficacy and, by not including the common cell preservation component dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) which can affect cells, has minimal impact on cell properties. Furthermore, due to its low toxicity, it can be added directly to culture media after thawing without the need for removal.

*Sophorolipid: A glycolipid produced through fermentation that has an inhibitory effect on ice crystal formation.

■ Development Background

Since its founding, Saraya has focused on naturally derived ingredients, developing products that are gentle on both people and the planet. Leveraging its accumulated know-how and technology, the company is developing new materials that are gentle even on human cells and organs, advancing applied research in the regenerative medicine field. Ice crystals that form during cell preservation typically damage cells, making it desirable for preservation solutions to prevent them. Saraya discovered a new effect of its safe, proprietary glycolipid Sophorolipid: it reduces the size of ice crystals formed during freezing. This led to the development of 'SOFORO Cryo' containing Sophorolipid.

■ Websites

SOFORO Cryo
https://med.saraya.com/products/saiseiiryo/45206.html
SOFORO
https://www.saraya.com/soforo/

■ About Saraya Co., Ltd.

With 'Hygiene,' 'Environment,' and 'Health' as its core business pillars, Saraya aims to realize a richer and more fruitful global society. Since its founding in 1952, it has developed and provided a wide range of cleaning and disinfectant products, as well as food products and services, for settings from general households to professional workplaces. Its consumer product lineup includes hand sanitizing alcohol, the environmentally friendly 'Yashinomi' detergent series, the additive-free 'Arau. Baby' soap series for babies, and the plant-derived sweetener 'Rakanto S' series made from monk fruit.