Freeze-drying of microbiological cultures

It is essential that the most appropriate growth conditions and preservation techniques are used to ensure the viability, purity and stability of microorganisms.

UKNCC member collections have particular and long-standing experience in the optimisation of freeze-drying for a wide range of organisms in a number of different formats

Cryopreservation Services

The production of pure cell stocks frozen by specialist techniques to liquid nitrogen temperatures is a contract service offered by most UKNCC collections. In some cases master working cell banks can be created for clients under Standard Operating Procedures to specified criteria.

Preservation by freeze drying returning all ampoules to the customer is provided by:
CABI
CCAP
NCIMB
NCPF
NCPPB
NCTC
NCYC

Development of cryopreservation techniques and provision of frozen stocks of the customers organism is provided by:
CABI
ECACC
NCYC
CCAP

Cryogenic Light Microscopy

This specialist technique can provide essential data in development of optimum freeze preservation protocols especially for those organisms that are difficult to preserve. It permits the direct observation of living cells under the light microscope under both freezing and thawing cycles.

Training

A key role of the UKNCC is in training of best practice in the maintenance and preservation, characterisation and quality control of organisms. This can vary from the most basic beginner courses to advanced training at both the national and international level. A regular programme of courses is published by the UKNCC and by most member collections. In addition, there are opportunities for developing in-house courses tailored to particular needs.

Microbial Resistance Testing

These services can range from on-site diagnosis to laboratory based resistance studies of biomaterials including testing the efficacy of preservation, anti-bacterial agents and antibiotics. This is often a very cost-effective method of providing problem-solving expertise at short notice.

Microbiological Surveys

For environmental surveying, advice can be given on site surveys, sampling and isolation protocols, identification, data handling, the selection of indicator species, ex-situ preservation and conservation leading to the sustainable use of ecosystems.

Consultancy Work

A prime factor in all aspects of the UKNCC's activities are the experts within each collection who can be called upon for impartial confidential advice on a range of scientific issues of microbiological importance. This can extend to long-term research projects linking with client laboratories and developing new techniques in identification and preservation.