The Shanghai Zhangjiang Biobank, the largest of its kind in China, is put into operation on Oct 13. [Photo/WeChat account: zjpark]

Shanghai Zhangjiang Biobank, the largest biobank in China, was put into operation on Oct 13.

The project, proposed by the Zhangjiang High Tech Park administrative committee and undertaken by Biochip Shanghai National Engineering Research Center, cost 100 million yuan ($15.2 million). It is considered a new model for intensive biological sample databases.

A biobank is a type of bio-repository that stores biological samples such as skin tissue, blood, cells, and DNA, which are key elements in building medical big data and eventually conducive to boosting the development of precision medicine and improving human health.

It serves as the foundation of various basic scientific research and clinical experiments, and as the material base of translational medicine. Hence, it is valued highly by countries all over the world.

Zhangjiang Biobank, with its first and second stages available now, is able to store a maximum of 15 million samples used for research on serious diseases.

To ensure the safety of the samples, the biobank is equipped with an ultralow temperature automatic biological samples storage system. Top-rated sample information processing equipment is also used to guarantee the standards, uniformity, and safety of the information.

Each sample has a unique QR code which contains relevant information about the patient it was taken from such as diagnosis, family medical history, whether they were a smoker or drink alcohol.

Upon opening, the biobank intends to build helicobacter pylori-focused sample databases, as 50 to 70 percent of Chinese patients suffer from the bacterium. The databases will be strong backers of clinical and translational research launched by the China Helicobacter Pylori Molecule Medical Center, helping it realize the precision treatment of helicobacter pylori and related diseases as soon as possible.

The third stage of Zhangjiang Biobank has also started construction. According to the planning, it will become a member of the China Biobank Alliance inaugurated in Zhangjiang last year. By 2020, it aims to build 10 to 15 biobank branches across the country to enhance exchanges and cooperation in biological sample research nationwide.