Ionic liquid-based reagents improve the stability of midterm fecal sample storage

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Fecal samples are crucial for metagenomic research on the human gut microbiota.
• Optimal room temperature storage and transport conditions for fecal samples remain undefined.
• Maintaining microbiota stability during sample storage is essential for accurate research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and evaluate a novel preservation method for fecal samples using ionic liquids.
• To determine the stability of fecal microbiota composition during storage at room temperature for up to 7 days.

Main Methods:

• Human fecal samples were preserved using reagents containing imidazolium- or pyridinium-based ionic liquids.
• Samples were stored for up to 7 days at various temperatures, including room temperature.
• 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to compare microbiota composition with fresh samples.

Main Results:

• Ionic liquid-based reagents effectively stabilized fecal microbiota composition over a 7-day storage period.
• Stability was particularly notable in samples stored at room temperature.
• The preservation method demonstrated reliability in maintaining sample integrity.

Conclusions:

• Ionic liquids provide a viable method for stabilizing fecal samples for metagenomic research.
• This approach facilitates reliable storage and transport of fecal samples at room temperature.
• The findings have significant implications for future human gut microbiome studies.