The University of Minnesota Biological Materials Procurement Network (BioNet)

Facilities and Services

BioNet serves the University of Minnesota’s Academic Health Center (AHC) as a centralized biorepository and bioregistry for patient consent and for the collection, processing, and distribution of de-identified tissue samples, blood and body fluids, purified DNA and specimen-matched clinical data for research.

BioNet is becoming a major translational research resource linking clinical medicine, pathology, and basic and applied research to facilitate high quality and cost-conscious clinical and translational research.

BioNet leverages the strengths of the Cancer Center's Tissue Procurement Facility (TPF), which has become part of BioNet. BioNet currently provides:

1. an optimized consenting process,
2. collection of tissue, blood, and fluid samples,
3. computerized specimen tracking systems that link specimens to clinical data and other databases,
4. addition of core pathologist-supported facilities for histologic interpretation, immunohistochemistry, laser capture microdissection, and slide digitalization.

In the near future, BioNet will also provide:

1. seamless links to DNA and cell purification facilities, and
2. establishment of a facility for long-term biospecimen storage.

Close relationships have been developed with the University of Minnesota BioMedical Genomics Center to offer researchers seamless access to DNA purification from specimens, and the Masonic Cancer Center's Translational Therapy core facility for seamless access to PBMC purification and cell cryopreservation from blood specimens. By special arrangement, Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)-transformed lymphoblastoid lines may be made from cryopreserved PBMCs using a commercial vendor.

BioNet is directed by Dr. Steve Schmechel, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Schmechel has 11 years’ experience in diagnostic pathology and is board certified in Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology, and Cytopathology (American Board of Pathology certifications), and in Molecular Diagnostics (American Board of Clinical Chemistry certification).

Divisions of BioNet include the Tissue Procurement Facility, the Histology and Immunohistochemistry Laboratory, and the Digital Imaging Facility.

BioNet is a UMN Internal Service Organization.