I am working with phototrophic biofilms and would like to cryopreserve them for future experiments. My primary goal is to maintain the viability and structural integrity of the biofilm, as well as the functional potential of its microbial community.

I have come across various methods for cryopreserving planktonic cultures, such as using cryoprotectants like glycerol or DMSO, but I am unsure how these approaches apply to biofilms, given their complex structure and extracellular matrix.

Key questions:

Any insights, protocols, or references to similar studies would be greatly appreciated.

These are the floating biofilm in the f/2 media and are not attached to any substrate.