Preservation of Microorganisms: Stabs, Slants, Lyophilization and Cryopreservation

Abstract

Microorganisms are continuously used for production of antibiotics, enzymes, vitamins, etc., biotransformation of biomolecules, bioremediation, bioconversion, bioprocessing of goods, etc. Thus, proper maintenance and preservation of microbial cells possessing desired potential (importance) is required to ensure long-term availability of them without loss in their metabolic potentials. The basic principal behind preservation of microbial cultures is to reduce their metabolism without disturbing cell integrity. Agar slant culture, agar slant culture covered with oil, stab culture, saline suspension, glycerol and DMSO preservation, drying on silica gel, drying on soil, sterile water, lyophilization, cryopreservation, etc. are methods employed for preservation of microorganism. However, the choice of method to be used depends on type of microorganism, purpose of storage, and duration of preservation.