Aortic Biobank
Global AortaBank
Advancing Aortic Research Through International Collaboration
Fuelling Research
Get access to the tissue and data you need. No need to manage your own collection and storage.
Open Access
Supporting better diagnostics, treatments, and prevention strategies by making aortic research more accessible and collaborative.
Building a Better Future
Connecting researchers across the world to share knowledge, resources, and accelerate progress in understanding aortic disease.
Everything in One Place
Connecting Samples, Data and Discovery
The Global Aortic Biobank is a pioneering international initiative dedicated to accelerating research into aortic disease. Funded by the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust and led by the University of Liverpool, alongside a growing network of international research centres, the AortaBank enables global access to high-quality biospecimens from a wide range of aortic pathologies.
This centralised resource houses ethically collected aortic tissue and blood samples from both elective and emergency operations. With all sample storage, logistics, and governance managed centrally, researchers can easily access what they need without worrying about infrastructure, transport or preservation.
As the aorta is now recognised as an organ with complex roles in cardiovascular health, this research is more important than ever. The AortaBank supports studies into cell structure, genetics and pathology, helping to unlock critical insights into aortic disease and ultimately improve patient outcomes worldwide.
Samples Available
Fresh frozen tissue and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue and blood (whole blood, serum and plasma) samples available.
AortaBank Access
Access to samples is available to academic, clinical and commercial researchers worldwide through a straightforward application process. Tissue is provided on a cost-recovery basis, with standardised tariffs set at academic and commercial rates.
To begin, please complete the short preliminary application below, outlining your study aims and sample requirements.
Samples Available
Aortic Root and Arch – 220 samples
- Left, right and non-coronary sinus
- Lesser and greater curvature
Thoracoabdominal – 40 samples
- Upper DTA & Lower DTA
- Abdominal aorta
Type A & Type B – 260 samples
- True & False lumen outer wall
- Flap
- IMH
Pathologies
- Marfan Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Loeys-Dietz Syndrome & Turner Syndrome – 160 samples
- Bicuspid Aortic Valve – 40 samples
- Type A Aortic Dissection – 60 samples
Sample Preservation
- Fresh frozen tissue
- Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue
Biobank Access
Access to aortic tissue and blood samples is governed by a rigorous application process to ensure the scientific integrity and ethical use of the material. Researchers must complete an online application, including a study protocol, which will undergo independent peer review to assess its scientific merit. All samples are de-identified and will only be released once a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) has been signed between the biobank and the requesting institution.
Applications are welcome from academic, clinical, and commercial researchers worldwide. All submissions must be made by the named Lead Investigator. The application process involves two stages. After registering, applicants must submit a preliminary application outlining the study aims, hypothesis, and required samples. This stage helps determine feasibility, availability of samples, investigator participation, and adequate funding.
If the preliminary application is approved, a full application will be required, including a detailed study design. Each submission is assigned a unique reference number and reviewed by members of the Biobank Scientific Review Committee, which includes aortic surgeons, clinicians, and biomedical researchers.
A Leading Partnership
Collaboration for Aortic Research
AortaBank is built on the principle of open collaboration. By centralising access to high-quality biospecimens and associated data, we make it easier for researchers to accelerate progress in aortic research.
Privacy Policy | Accessibility
The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust
Registered charity in England & Wales No. 1191420
Registered charity in Scotland No. SC051517
PO Box 812, Hope Valley, Chesterfield S40 9QY
The information and materials on this site are for general information purposes only. This site is not designed to provide individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns, please speak to your GP. If you believe you have a medical emergency, call 999 immediately.