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Viability studies on actinomycetes
A Taddei1, M M Tremarias, C Hartung de Capriles
1Departamento de Química, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Caracas, Venezuela. ataddei@usb.ve
Abstract:
Eighty-nine Actinomycetes strains were tested for their viability, morphological and physiological characteristics after being kept under paraffin oil overlay and distilled water for a period between 10-30 years. Most of the studied strains belong to the "Lorenzo De Montemayor" collection. Almost all the recovered strains were 28-30 years old and had never been subcultured since the paraffin oil was overlaid. 71.4% of viable Streptomycetes strains had been kept on Sabouraud-dextrose agar and 28.6% were kept on Negroni and Bonfiglioli-medium. Streptomyces violaceusruber produced its characteristic pigment even after 28 years under these conditions. All of the recovered strains were tested for their biological activity, but only Streptomyces lavendulae showed growth-inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis.
Insights
Long-term storage of Actinomycetes under paraffin oil maintained viability for decades. Some strains retained characteristics and biological activity, demonstrating effective preservation methods for microbial collections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Actinobacteria Research
Background:
- Long-term preservation of microbial cultures is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and accessibility.
- Actinomycetes, particularly Streptomyces species, are vital sources of antibiotics and other bioactive compounds.
- Traditional preservation methods like paraffin oil overlay have been used for decades, but their long-term efficacy requires validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the viability and characteristics of Actinomycetes strains preserved for 10-30 years under paraffin oil.
- To evaluate the morphological and physiological stability of these long-term stored strains.
- To determine the retained biological activity of recovered Actinomycetes strains.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-nine Actinomycetes strains from the Lorenzo De Montemayor collection were revived after 10-30 years of storage.
- Storage methods included paraffin oil overlay and distilled water.
- Viability, morphology, physiology, and biological activity (antimicrobial assays) were assessed post-revival.
Main Results:
- A high percentage of strains remained viable after 28-30 years without subculturing.
- Streptomyces violaceoruber maintained pigment production after 28 years.
- Streptomyces lavendulae exhibited significant growth inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis.
Conclusions:
- Paraffin oil overlay is a highly effective method for long-term preservation of Actinomycetes viability and key characteristics.
- Microbial collections stored for extended periods can yield strains with retained biological activities.
- This study validates the utility of long-term cryopreservation techniques for Actinomycetes research and bioprospecting.