A new method for preservation of microorganisms by liquid-drying under anaerobic conditions

Abstract

A new liquid-drying method for the long-term preservation of microorganisms under anaerobic conditions is described. In this method drops of cell suspensions were dried anaerobically in gas-tight small screw-cap glass vials with rubber septa. No constriction and heat sealing of glass vials was needed. During experimental manipulations no anaerobic chamber or glove boxes were required. The new method has successfully been applied for the preservation of a collection of anaerobic phototrophic and other sensitive microorganisms with good viability and stability. The method is simple, rapid, effective, economical and is also suitable for drying of aerobic microorganisms without sealing under vacuum. Sensitive dried cells in mini vials are most suitable for normal transport and do not need expensive dry-ice packing. In small laboratories almost all types of microorganisms can easily be dried without sealing for long-term storage.