Conserving Microbial Diversity: Practices, Trends and Beyond

Interests in preservation of microbes for ex situ conservation have grown hand in hand with the microbial diversity studies flourishing worldwide. For a successful exploration study, preservation of isolated strains without any change in original traits is as important as collection of pure culture of microbes from different habitats, their characterization and exploration for economical use. Preservation of microbes is also important to realize the potential of characterized strains on a large scale. This review focusses on the different methods available for preservation of microbial strains for short to long term. In addition, specific preservation techniques for certain microbes and problems and concerns in the routinely used preservation techniques and revival of preserved microbes have been dealt in detail. The review highlights the importance of research in the area of preservation of microbes.