Cyanobacteria are unexplored microorganisms as a source of molecules having molecules rediscovery rate much lower than other organisms best studied (<5 %). Thus, VALORALIA I+D, biotechnology-based company, has its own collection of cyanobacteria to carry out researches on anti-infectious diseases.
Laboratories worldwide working with cyanobacteria have its proper collection to carry out related studies. However, the lack of manpower (especially after the studies were finished), maintenance costs and proper preservation method resulted in the loss of research materials and unfortunately a waste of isolation effort. Several parameters are generally considered very important in cryopreservation, including the choice of the cryoprotectant, cryoprotectant concentration, freezing rate, physiological status of the culture and thawing procedure. This makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to establish acceptable guidelines for cyanobacteria cryopreservation
Trypan blue vital staining used for the post-thaw viability of cryopreserved strains
VALORALIA I+D, has developed an efficient and reliable cryopreservation protocol amiable for cyanobacteria isolated from different environments and places of the world. These results, recently published in the Journal of Applied Phycolgy have been positively received during the Cryptogamic Botany XIX Symposium held in June, organized by the Spanish Bank of Algae, one of the strategic partners VALORALIA I+D.