Long-term cryopreservation of basidiomycetes

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Biotechnology
• Cryobiology

Background:

• Basidiomycetes possess significant biotechnological and industrial value, including enzyme production, bioremediation, and pharmaceuticals.
• Climate change poses a threat to basidiomycete diversity, necessitating robust preservation methods.
• Currently, no universal protocol exists for the cryopreservation of basidiomycetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and consolidate information on the primary conditions for long-term cryopreservation of basidiomycetes.
• To analyze studies published between 1997 and 2016 focusing on cryopreservation periods of 1-2 years and over 2 years.
• To discuss the viability of various cryopreservation parameters for basidiomycetes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of scientific articles on basidiomycete cryopreservation (1997-2016).
• Analysis focused on studies with cryopreservation durations of 1-2 years and >2 years.
• Evaluation of key parameters: genera, temperature, substrate, cryoprotectant, thawing conditions, and post-thaw stability.

Main Results:

• Identified the most frequently studied basidiomycete genera for cryopreservation.
• Detailed common cryopreservation temperatures, cryoprotective agents, and substrates used.
• Assessed the physiological and genetic stability of basidiomycetes following cryopreservation and thawing.

Conclusions:

• Cryopreservation is essential for safeguarding basidiomycete genetic resources.
• Understanding optimal cryopreservation conditions is key to successful long-term storage.
• Further research is needed to establish universal cryopreservation protocols for diverse basidiomycete species.