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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Electron Cryotomography of Bacterial Cells
14:23

Electron Cryotomography of Bacterial Cells

Published on: May 6, 2010

[Preservation of microorganisms by deep freezing]

I S Koroleva

    Laboratornoe Delo
    |January 1, 1990
    PubMed

    Insights

    Long-term cryopreservation of bacteria at -70°C shows promise for pneumococci. However, Meningococcal cultures had reduced viability and serologic properties, requiring further research for stable storage.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Bacteriology
    • Cryobiology

    Background:

    • Effective long-term storage of bacterial cultures is crucial for research and diagnostics.
    • Cryopreservation at -70°C is a common method, but its efficacy varies across bacterial species.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the viability and stability of Meningococci, Pneumococci, and Hemophilic bacilli after prolonged storage at -70°C.
    • To determine optimal conditions for long-term bacterial cryopreservation.

    Main Methods:

    • Bacterial cultures of Meningococci, Pneumococci, and Hemophilic bacilli were stored at -70°C.
    • Viability and serologic properties were assessed at various time points up to 11 months.

    Main Results:

    • Meningococcal cultures showed a significant decrease in viability (54.4%) and serologic property retention (41.6%) after 11 months.
    • Pneumococcal cultures maintained their initial parameters for up to 8 months.
    • No data was available for Hemophilic bacilli storage.

    Conclusions:

    • Cryopreservation at -70°C is suitable for pneumococci, allowing for storage up to 8 months.
    • Further investigation is needed to establish stable long-term storage conditions for Meningococci at -70°C.

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