Increasing the security and traceability of biological samples in biobanks by blockchain technology
María Isabel Ortiz-Lizcano, Enrique Arias, Ángel Hernández Bravo, Blanca Caminero, Tomás Rojo Guillén, Syong Hyun Nam
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: One of the main tasks in a biobank consists in storing biological samples in a high-quality condition in order to future research. At moment, there exist many applications to manage a biobank. However, in general, these are web-based applications. In these web-based applications different tasks can be done. Among them, it is possible to remark the following: informed consent, confidentiality, non-profit, respect for quality and safety standards, including traceability of samples. In this paper, we describe a blockchain smart contract to ensure the traceability of the processes done in a biobank meaning a step forward to guarantee this traceability. METHODS: Use of blockchain technology to improve security, integrity and traceability of the processes carried out in a biobank. In particular IBM Hyperledger Fabric. RESULTS: As a result, a set of smart contracts have been developed describing the biobank processes. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement of the security, integrity, and traceability of samples in biobanks.