For the last 50 years, vaccines and donor organs have been transported in enclosures as technologically sophisticated as beverage coolers. The organ transport box has finally received an upgrade with an efficient temperature-regulating design to safeguard its contents.

The device designed at Western University, Canada, incorporates phase change materials to release and absorb sufficient energy during transport and provide appropriate levels of heating and cooling for the stored items. The portable temperature regulating device. Source: Rob Potter/Western UniversityThe enclosure can be maintained at a constant-set point temperature independent of the surrounding temperatures for an extended time period and can also vary the temperature to different set points for different durations during transportation. Temperature is controlled and monitored remotely in a device which requires no external electricity source.

The designers hope that the scalable device will play a role in saving lives and delivering vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines. The portable box could also be of value in helping restaurant and retail grocery industries deliver items at a specific temperature from to consumers.