Overview
ISO/TS 23105:2021 - Biotechnology - Biobanking - Requirements for the biobanking of plant biological material for research and development - specifies requirements for the life cycle management of plant biological material and associated data. It applies to material intended for further processing of biomolecules (e.g., nucleic acids, proteins, metabolites) and is targeted at organizations performing plant biobanking for research and development, including academic institutions, plant gene banks and commercial agronomic businesses.
This technical specification covers the full biobanking workflow: collection, preparation, preservation, transportation, storage, distribution and disposal, plus documentation and traceability of associated data.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope and applicability: Limited to plant biological material usable for biomolecule processing and to R&D-focused biobanks.
- Quality management: Biobanks shall follow ISO 20387:2018 requirements for a biobank quality management system and implement procedures for each material type.
- Collection procedures: Documented procedures defining acceptance criteria, authentication, minimum quantity, viability, stability, containers, equipment, collection methods, GPS/location, and stage of maturity.
- Traceability and documentation: Maintain associated data (metadata, research, phenotypic, phytosanitary certificates) and demonstrate legitimate acquisition; undocumented material must be discarded per procedure.
- Biorisk and biosafety: Establish biorisk management procedures (e.g., ISO 35001, WHO guidance) for plant pests/pathogens and ensure measures to prevent cross-contamination and protect personnel.
- Preservation methods: Guidance for desiccation, snap‑freezing, cryopreservation, fast/rapid drying (including dried spots cards), grinding, and preservation in protective solutions.
- Transport and storage: Defined transport procedures and storage requirements (temperatures and durations referenced; see Annex A for typical ranges), plus monitoring and multiplication/rejuvenation where applicable.
- Distribution and disposal: Procedures for safe distribution, documentation, and compliant disposal or destruction of plant biological material.
- Information capture: Recommended data elements and exemplary information tables to support specimen reuse and reproducibility (Annex B).
Applications and Users
ISO/TS 23105:2021 is practical for:
- Plant biobanks, gene banks and Biological Resource Centers (BRCs)
- University and government research labs handling plant genetic resources
- Seed banks, breeders and agritech companies conducting R&D
- Curators responsible for collection management, sample processing, storage and data stewardship
Benefits include improved sample integrity, reproducibility, regulatory compliance (phytosanitary and acquisition documentation), and safer, traceable sharing of plant biological materials.
Related Standards
- ISO 20387:2018 - Biotechnology - Biobanking - General requirements for biobanking (normative reference)
- ISO 35001 and relevant WHO guidance - for biorisk management and laboratory safety
Keywords: ISO/TS 23105:2021, plant biobanking requirements, biobanking of plant biological material, preservation, traceability, plant genetic resources, biobank quality management.