Optimised Conservation of Microbiological Strains
1. Optimised Preservation of In-House and Analytical Strains
Only a few decades ago, the preservation of microbial strains relied on weekly or monthly subculturing in long-nose slant CTA medium tubes.
In laboratories managing large strain collections for epidemiological or R&D purposes, this process often required the full-time dedication of a research analyst.
Later, pharmacopoeias recommended the use of TSB with glycerol in cryovials, enabling storage for up to one year in many cases—although some microorganisms still proved unstable under these conditions.
The introduction of porous porcelain beads (similar to the coloured beads used in children’s necklaces) revolutionised the process.
With these beads, only a single bead needed to be retrieved for re-seeding, allowing the remaining ones to be refrozen without compromising viability. This innovation led to the concept of “cryoballs.”
However, many microorganisms continued to show poor survival under standard cryogenic conditions—losing viability after repeated freeze–thaw cycles or within a few months of storage.
To address this challenge, MICROKIT, established in 1989, collaborated with leading research institutions to develop several highly effective strain preservation systems:
CRIOTECA®-SKM
A cryovial system containing a Skim Milk–based cryogenic medium that significantly extends the lifespan of most microorganisms stored in strain libraries, outperforming traditional TSB–glycerol formulations.
More information
MPT Tubes
Developed specifically for Vibrio cholerae, which remains difficult to preserve. MPT Agar tubes enable re-seeding just once per year, with room-temperature stability.
CRIOTECA®-CAMPY
Tailored for Campylobacter spp., providing markedly improved preservation results compared with standard cryogenic systems.
CRIOTECA®-YM
Designed for fungi (yeasts and moulds), this formulation ensures long-term viability when frozen.
ANAEROTECA
Created for anaerobic microorganisms, especially Clostridium spp., these tubes maintain excellent viability for years at room temperature thanks to a specially designed anaerobic medium.
Advantages of MICROKIT Preservation Systems
- Superior cryovial design: truly hermetic seal, wide and secure cap, external threading to minimise contamination risk.
- Efficient use of freezer space: up to 100 vials stored in the space required for only 40 of other brands — an essential benefit considering the high cost of freezer storage.
- Premium CRIOBOX packaging: transparent, durable and compact.
- Proven reliability: CRIOTECA®, ANAEROTECA® and MPT are among MICROKIT’s best-selling and most trusted product lines, used worldwide and frequently recommended by satisfied customers.
2. Use of Quantitative Strains
In addition to our preservation systems, MICROKIT designs and manufactures Quantitative Strains, currently offering the 73 most commonly used strains across the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and water industries.
More information
Outstanding Stability and Quality
Our lentil-shaped quantitative strains offer exceptional longevity of two years from manufacture—twice as long as most competing brands.
They are highly stable, requiring no frozen or refrigerated transport, and remain viable for weeks at room temperature without performance loss.
Despite these advantages, they remain competitively priced.
Trusted by numerous ISO 17025-accredited laboratories, each batch of MICROKIT Quantitative Strains includes a comprehensive Quality Control Certificate, detailing:
- Reference to the universal ISO 11133-2 collection (WDCM)
- Traceability to the type strain
- Passage number from the type collection
- Count and deviation (CV%) within the batch
- Performed on TSA/SDA and at least one selective medium (the most relevant for each microorganism)
- Often complemented with a chromogenic selective medium
See our full export catalogue (2024)
Contact and Orders
For documentation or pricing enquiries, please contact us at:
export@microkit.es
To place an order, please send your request to:
pedidos@microkit.es
