Central Biosample Register (DZIF-ZBR)
A comprehensive biobank structure at the DZIF supports cross-site research.
Biobanks store biological samples, such as human tissue, blood and DNA. These samples, along with their corresponding medical data, are particularly valuable for translational research at the DZIF. They can be used to uncover disease causes in infection research and to develop new preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
To utilize the biological materials from DZIF's decentralized storage locations for research purposes, the "Biobanking" unit at Helmholtz Munich operates the Central Biosample Register (DZIF-ZBR). The DZIF-ZBR consolidates biological material data from local systems, making it a valuable data harmonization tool. By providing DZIF scientists with an overview of the collected biological materials and associated data via individual search queries, the DZIF-ZBR offers an effective instrument for planning projects using biological materials.
Overview of data contained in the DZIF-ZBR
Cooperation between HEnRY Biobanking Software and the ZBR
The Central Biosample Register at the DZIF—explained in just under two minutes (only when this video is started will active content be loaded from YouTube and personal data be transferred to YouTube; more information on this can be found in our Privacy Policy).
Within the HIV research area, the open source biobanking tool HEnRY (HIV Engaged Research technologY) is being developed in the working group of Prof. Janne Vehreschild at the University Hospital Cologne. In collaboration with the DZIF-ZBR at Helmholtz Munich, an automatic interface was created and users are now able to send their biosample data per one-click to the DZIF-ZBR. In the future, all studies and biosample collections using the HEnRY biobanking software will be able to send relevant data according to the minimum data set to the ZBR via automatic interface. This makes the study visible in the DZIF-ZBR without further effort, and the data can be used for search queries.
After the introduction of this new option at a DZIF-ZBR user meeting, African Partner Institutions used it for their biobank documentation.
The DZIF's biobank tool is constantly evolving and is currently used by numerous partner institutions for standardized biosample data collection.
The structured, automated transfer of data to the DZIF ZBR reduces organizational effort, improves data quality, and enhances data availability.
These improvements facilitate cross-location collaboration and measurably enhance the efficiency of biomedical research at the DZIF.
The HEnRY website offers comprehensive training and support services, including a detailed manual in German and French.
Currently, biosamples and data on the following studies are available in the DZIF-ZBR:
- COVID-19 Autopsy Register (Heildeberg)
- DZIF Tissue bank (Heidelberg)
- EBV IMMUC I and II (München)
- Fever without source (Hamburg)
- HelicoPTER (H. pylori) (München)
- Hepatitis (HCV | Hannover)
- Malaria (Tübingen / Lambaréné)*
- Paediatric Transplant Study Haunersches Kinderspital (München)
- PEPSI II (Hepatitis | Köln)
- Resina (HIV | Köln)
- TBornotTB (Tuberculosis | Borstel)
- TIARA (The impact of colonization with MDRO in complex surgical patients) (Köln)*
- TP HIV (Köln)*
- Transplant cohort Tx (Hannover, Heidelberg, München, Tübingen)
New studies / in implementation
- mEX-TB Tuberculosis (Bonn, Borstel, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Heidelberg, Köln)*
- TB studies African Partner Sites (Borstel)
- Tissue Collectives (Heidelberg)
- TP-HIV (München, Bonn)
*in cooperation with HEnRY
The DZIF-ZBR allows for flexible integration of further studies and bio sample collections. If you are interested or require further information, please contact the TI BBD:
Go to Central Biosample Register
Go to the DZIF infrastructure "Bioresources, Biodata and Digital Health"