Other than lyophilization what can be the technique for storage of anaerobic microorganisms? Like aerobic cultures can we store them on pertiplates and slants? OR do they need some special conditions and preservation techniques to be followed?
Lyophilization (Freeze-drying) is not a technique of storage but a technique of stabilization.
To store bacteria (and therefore anaerobic microorganisms) you need to focus on three main parameters :
- The temperature (you can preserve for long time microorganisms in liquid media at -80°C)
- The water activity (you can preserve for long time dried (by freeze drying or other processes) microorganisms at aw below 0.15)
- The gaseous atmosphere (exclude oxygen during the conservation improve significantly the viability of microorganisms during their conservation).
Anaerobic microorganisms are numerous, some will resist to some condition (T°, aw and oxygen concentration) and some others won't. The technique of preparation (matrix/ protective agents, colling rates etc.) will also differ with the microorganisms used.
However conservation around 4°C and at aw below 0.15 of dried bacteria is the most convenient way to conserve microorganism and give good results.
look at this
http://www.cbs.knaw.nl/index.php/online-protocols/162-cryopreservation-of-bacteria-with-special-reference-to-anaerobes
Anaerobes tend to do well in a 10% skim milk solution. For spore formers, it is best to prepare a spore stock for storage.
The nature of your organisms will determine the form of storage. Anaerobic species of LAB for instance can be stored in specific media for certain period of time and then subcultured.
It all depends how long you want to store these culture. Some of the techniques involved are like, if you want to store as slants, then these can be stored with a layer of liquid paraffin on top of the slant. Similarly, these can be stored in butt cultures using a suitable nutrient agar butt. Of course you can store these also in liquid nitrogen using a suitable cryophilic agent. As pointed out by Dr. Shaikh, you can store as glycerol stock cultures at -80C. It all depends on you and your need and not to forget the type of microorganisms you are handling. Lyophilization is THE BEST METHOD.
I thank all the dignitaries, who suggested different ways of- I would now say 'stabilization of Anaerobic culture'. Lyophilization and -80 C is difficult at my lab end, so preferably I will follow what Suryawanshi sir has suggested.
Suryawanshi sir, can you send me any link for the reference of the procedure you have explained in your answer.
Once again! I thank all of you for your kind help!
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