Abstract
Microorganisms represent most of the biodiversity of living organisms in every ecological habitat. They have profound effects on the functioning of any ecosystem, and therefore on the health of our planet and of human beings. Moreover, microorganisms are the main protagonists in food, medical and biotech industries, and have several environmental applications. Accordingly, the characterization and preservation of microbial biodiversity are essential not only for the maintenance of natural ecosystems but also for research purposes and biotechnological exploitation. In this context, culture collections (CCs) and microbial biological resource centres (mBRCs) are crucial for the safeguarding and circulation of biological resources, as well as for the progress of life sciences. This review deals with the expertise and services of CCs, in particular concerning preservation and characterization of microbial resources, by pointing to the advanced approaches applied to investigate a huge reservoir of microorganisms. Data sharing and web services as well as the tight interconnection between CCs and the biotechnological industry are highlighted. In addition, guidelines and regulations related to quality management systems (QMSs), biosafety and biosecurity issues are discussed according to the perspectives of CCs and mBRCs.
Highlights
Microorganisms and their activities have pervasive, extraordinarily profound effects on the functioning of any ecosystem, and on the health of our planet and of human beings [1]
Guidelines and regulations related to quality management systems (QMSs), biosafety and biosecurity issues are discussed according to the perspectives of CCs and microbial biological resource centres (mBRCs)
Other important normative references that the CCs must take into consideration are, for example, the regulations 90/219/EEC [91] and 98/81/EEC [92] concerning genetically modified organisms (GMOs), if they preserve this type of microorganisms within the collection, and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) EU
Summary
Microorganisms and their activities have pervasive, extraordinarily profound effects on the functioning of any ecosystem, and on the health of our planet and of human beings [1]. The study and the preservation of microbial diversity are recognized as essential for the maintenance of natural ecosystems and for research purposes and the development of applications in the biotech and food industries In this context, culture collections (CCs) and microbial biological resource centres (mBRCs) play a pivotal role in the safeguarding and circulation of biological resources and are fundamental for the progress of life sciences. Regarding the Italian scenario, there are numerous CCs, which preserve a huge amount of biological resources that include bacteria, yeasts, filamentous fungi, microalgae, protozoa, plasmids, cyanobacteria, archaea, virus, phages and cell lines Many of these collections, including some hosted by universities and research centres, do not follow relevant international standards, and their databases are not always accessible on-line. Playing a pivotal role in training new researchers, mBRCs may take a leading position in research infrastructures aimed at technology innovation
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