The invention relates to sample supports and methods for cryoconservation, especially the cryoconservation of biological materials, comprising at least one sample reservoir used to receive a biological sample. A support body is disposed in the sample reservoir, made of a material having a volume structure, consisting of a plurality of open, inner cavities which can be filled with the sample. The invention also relates to the use of motor vehicle catalyst-structure or biomorphic ceramics for producing support bodies used to receive samples for cryoconservation.