Biobanking of vector-borne viruses in the Philippines: basic principles, best practices, and challenges

Vector-borne diseases remain a public health burden in the Philippines. Evidence-based strategies are being explored to control and eradicate these diseases. This study aims to outline a procedural framework for biobanking vector-borne viruses and identify best practices and challenges associated with the process. This study includes data from a biobanking initiative titled, "Molecular Profiles and Biobanking of Vector-borne Viruses in Selected Hospitals in Luzon." Two partner sites were included in this study, and all samples collected were stored at the VRV Biobank. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) were prepared for sample collection to viral detection, characterization, and storage. The VRV Biobank houses serum aliquots, nucleic acid extracts, infected culture fluid and their associated data from 182 recruited participants. Key strengths of the implementation include adherence to protocols, integration of quality control strategies, frequent updating of SOPs, training biobank personnel, transparency during recruitment, effective coordination between partner sites, and characterization of banked samples. However, challenges in ethical compliance, procedural variations across partner sites, limited local training programs, procurement issues, and biobank staffing were identified. This study highlights best practices and challenges in biobanking and addresses gaps in the practice by developing a comprehensive framework informed by practical insights gained during actual implementation. This foundational biobank report represents the first documented effort to establish a curated virus biobank in the Philippines.