Biosample Hub

 We strongly believe that traceability of human biosamples is essential, not only for ethical reasons but also for scientific ones. Therefore, we connect researchers directly with hospital biorepository managers to maintain this traceability. Join our unique not-for-profit network for biosample supply and procurement.

Biosamples From Our Global Not-For-Profit Network

Network for human tissue samples for research

We Support  Ethical Biosample Procurement

How the Biosample Hub platform works

Web Platform

Platform components ...

Our web platform offers various resources, such as noticeboards, directories, and communication tools. It enables direct interaction between biorepository managers and biotech professionals. For example, members can search directories or post biosample requests. Additionally, our admin support is always ready to assist with operational needs.

Biosample Hub has a global network of requesters and biorepositories

Global Biorepositories

World-wide network ...

iosample Hub connects providers and requesters of patient samples from across the globe. Our members include professionals from North and South America, Europe (mainly Western Europe), the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. Notably, Biosample Hub operates as a not-for-profit company registered in the UK, which helps ensure that ethical practices are upheld.

Resources in other languages

 

We allow access to a diverse range of biospecimens

Diverse Biosamples

Biosample types ...

You can access a wide variety of biosamples sourced from global populations. For example, we offer samples for various medical conditions, including infectious diseases, cancers, and disorders affecting all body systems. In addition, we provide normal tissues, body fluids, umbilical cord blood, and microbiome samples. Our biospecimens come in different storage formats and processing methods, ensuring flexibility to meet your research needs.

Biosample Hub is a not-for-profit agency

Not-For-Profit

Company ethos ...

Biosample Hub operates as a not-for-profit organization, which aligns with the non-commercial biorepositories we serve. Consequently, users can trust that our platform maintains high ethical standards throughout.

Biosample Hub operates with transparency

Transparency

Transparency first ...

We prioritize transparency in all interactions between biorepositories and biosample requesters. Furthermore, our financial records are publicly available, ensuring complete transparency in our operations.

Traceability of biospecimens is paramount

Traceability

Biosample traceability ...

Traceability is central to our operations at Biosample Hub. Since our platform directly connects biorepositories with requesters, we ensure the highest standards of scientific quality control, legal compliance, and ethical integrity.

Biosample Hub’s Mission

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Biosample Hub's mission?

Biosample Hub connects biorepositories with biotechs for provision of reliable biospecimens

Our mission is to connect non-commercial biorepositories with biotech and pharma companies. By doing so, we support the development of new therapies, diagnostics, and vaccines.

Where is Biosample Hub located?

Biosample Hub operates online, serving a global community. Our members come from North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australasia. The company is registered in the UK.

 

Why Are We Not-For-Profit?

There are compelling reasons to organize patient sample procurement on a non-commercial basis. For more details, refer to the Nuffield Council on BioEthics report entitled ‘Human tissue: ethical and legal issues’ (pages 50 to 53). Commercial interests can often reduce sample traceability, leading to ethical and scientific concerns (Hofman et al, 2017).

What is prospective collection?

Prospective collection begins only after a request is placed, which is necessary for obtaining fresh viable tissue or when the required biosamples are not available in the biobank. Importantly, requesters can specify:

  • Sample types to be collected
  • Biosample collection protocols to be used

Learn about prospective collection

What is FFPE?

Researchers commonly use FFPE, which stands for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks, in diagnostics and medical research.

Learn about FFPE

What is a Material Transfer Agreement?

A Material Transfer Agreement is a legal contract that governs the transfer of tangible research materials between two organizations, often between academic institutions, research organizations, or companies. It outlines the terms and conditions under which the recipient can use the materials. MTAs are commonly used in scientific research and development, especially in fields like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences.

Learn about Material Transfer Agreements

Can I access organoids?

Yes, an increasing number of biobanks on our network will provide patient derived organoids (PDOs).

Learn about Patient Derived Organoids

What are Biosample Hub's main goals?

  • To help biotech and pharma companies find reliable patient samples from trusted biorepositories.
  • To assist academic biobanks in aligning their services with industry needs.

When was Biosample Hub founded?

Biosample Hub incorporated on March 12, 2020.

What does Not-For-Profit mean?

Biosample Hub is a company limited by guarantee, without share capital. As a result, this means we have no shareholders. Moreover, our articles of incorporation specify fair wage payment, the use of surplus funds, and asset distribution upon dissolution.

View records at Companies House

Should I request serum or plasma?

Serum and plasma biosamples both come from blood after cell removal, but they differ significantly. Serum is the fluid that remains after blood clots, whereas plasma remains when clotting is prevented by using an anticoagulant and centrifugation. Whether you need serum or plasma depends on your research needs.

Learn about differences between plasma and serum

What is snap freezing?

Scientists use snap freezing to preserve samples quickly by rapidly cooling them, usually with liquid nitrogen or a dry ice-isopropanol bath.

Learn more about snap freezing

Why the interest in BLOCKCHAIN?

Blockchain technology offers transformative potential for biobanking by providing a secure and transparent system for managing biological samples. It ensures that every transaction and record related to samples—such as their provenance, consent, and usage—is accurately documented and immutable. 

Learn more about blockchain in biobanking

Why not more biorepositories in Africa?

There are a variety of reasons to explain the shortage of African biobanks on this platform. Please note that Biosample Hub is open to partnering with biorepositories and hospital biobanks in Africa, and helping to overcome barriers to access.

Learn more about biobanking in Africa

Recent Webinars Relating To Biosample Management

Biosample Hub offers free webinars on topics relevant to hospital biorepositories and companies seeking reliable biosamples for research and development.

To see additional webinars, click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel 

Biosample Hub's YouTube channel