Research & Development

Purpose‑built R&D for long‑term preservation. We design and test specialized equipment, create patented systems, and continually refine protocols to improve outcomes and protect our patients.

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The Minds Behind the Mission

At the heart of Alcor’s scientific advancement lies our dedicated in-house Research & Development department – a team of full-time professionals advancing the science of cryopreservation. This multidisciplinary team tackles challenges that exist nowhere else in science, pioneering solutions at the intersection of biology, engineering, and materials science.

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Research Focus Areas

Our in-house team designs and manufactures purpose-built equipment, develops patented preservation systems, and refines protocols. We combine science, systems engineering, and real-world operations to raise preservation quality while prioritizing safety, reliability, and long-term patient stewardship.

Developing advanced methods to measure and validate the effectiveness of cryopreservation protocols, ensuring optimal outcomes across different tissue types and preservation conditions.

Creating next-generation preservation systems that improve cooling rates, enhance perfusion efficiency, and provide better monitoring capabilities during critical preservation phases.

Refining preservation techniques through systematic testing and analysis, with a focus on increasing reliability and minimizing preservation-related damage.

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Capabilities & Facilities

Alcor maintains dedicated in-house research and engineering teams focused exclusively on advancing cryopreservation science. Our integrated approach allows us to develop solutions specifically designed for the unique requirements of long-term preservation.

Innovation in Practice

Biomedical-Grade Manufacturing

We manufacture custom surgical instruments and laboratory components using biomedical-grade materials. In-house 3D printing capabilities allow rapid creation of specialized tools and equipment parts designed for our preservation protocols.
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Innovation in Practice

Purpose-Built Equipment Systems

Our engineering team develops and builds specialized preservation equipment tailored to our research needs, including custom perfusion systems, monitoring equipment, and analytical instruments.
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Innovation in Practice

High-End CT Scanning for Quality Control and Research:

We operate a GE LightSpeed RT 16 x-ray CT scanner in-house to document and evaluate every new patient. High-resolution imaging verifies procedural outcomes, identifies structural details relevant to preservation quality, and produces data that support ongoing research and refinement of cryopreservation techniques.

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Patents & Innovation

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Medical Liquid Ventilation System

Status: Patent granted Advanced therapeutic hypothermia system designed specifically for rapid cooling applications in preservation protocols.

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Field Washout System

Status: Patent pending Comprehensive mobile perfusion system that maintains laboratory-grade preservation capabilities in field deployment scenarios.

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Mechanical Control Valve for Liquid Cooling and Perfusion

Status: patent pending Passive valve solution for managing liquid cooling effluent and perfusate

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Intermediate Temperature Storage Thermal Control System

Status: patent granted Advanced multi-phase thermal management scheme for high-efficiency intermediate temperature storage systems

FAQs: R&D

 Donations make a real difference, and we’re truly grateful for your support. You can give a one-time or recurring gift at our donation page and choose to direct it specifically to research. If you have questions or are considering a larger gift, please reach out at [email protected] or 623-432-7775.

Yes. Alcor engages with universities, medical centers, and independent labs on studies in cryopreservation, vitrification chemistry, perfusion protocols, ischemia mitigation, and post-preservation assessment.

Continuous research sharpens every stage of care, from faster stabilization to better long-term preservation. R&D yields:

  • Faster response and stabilization: Optimized protocols, devices, and medications reduce ischemia and biological deterioration.
  • Improved cryoprotection: Advanced vitrification solutions and perfusion methods reduce toxicity and ice formation, preserving brain structure better.
  • Enhanced monitoring: Imaging, sensors, and data-driven checklists improve procedure quality and case review.
  • More reliable long-term storage: Materials and thermal modeling research improve dewar design, safety, and efficiency.
  • Training and readiness: Procedure simulations and drills informed by research translate into smoother real-world deployments.

Scientific Leadership

Alcor’s in-house R&D brings science and engineering together under one roof. The scale, continuity, and technical depth we maintain are best-in-industry. We set a high bar for the field with a long-term, disciplined approach that advances what is possible in cryonics.

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