A method and apparatus for the processing of tissue and cellular material during cryopreservation and/or processing for microscopy. The method and apparatus maximizes heat transfer coefficients by using liquid-free cryopreservation protocols and maximizing glass transition characteristics through increasing pressure during cryopreservation. Cooling rates combined with megapascal pressures reduced the required concentration of cryoprotective agents (CPAs) needed for ice-free cell and tissue cryopreservation.