Yingtai: Application of Lyophilization Process for Microbial Strain Preservation

Yingtai: Application of Lyophilization Process for Microbial Strain Preservation

Microbial strains, which are microorganisms used as living cell catalysts in fermentation processes, include bacteria, actinomycetes, yeast, and mold. They are primarily sourced from the vast number of microorganisms found in nature, from which useful strains are isolated and selected. The lyophilization process for microbial strains is a technique that involves freezing the strains and then subjecting them to a drying process. It is a commonly used method for preserving strains, effectively extending their storage time and maintaining their vitality. The purpose of preserving experimental strains is to collect a wide variety of microorganisms with different values and ensure that during passage or storage, they do not weaken, degrade, mutate, or die, thus maintaining their original biological characteristics. This ultimately allows for effective use in exchange, testing, research, and application.

Principles of the Lyophilization Process for Microbial Strains

The lyophilization process for microbial strains involves removing moisture from the strains through freezing and drying in a low-temperature and vacuum environment to achieve long-term preservation. The main steps of the lyophilization process are:

1. Strain Preparation: Select high-quality strains for cultivation and propagation to ensure their purity and vitality. Pre-treat the strain samples, such as adding protectants and adjusting strain concentration.

2. Freezing Treatment: Place the pre-treated strain samples in a low-temperature environment to gradually freeze the moisture in the strains into ice crystals. The freezing rate and temperature need to be controlled during this process to ensure the vitality and quality of the strains.

3. Vacuum Treatment: Based on the freezing process, place the strains in a vacuum environment to reduce the pressure, allowing the ice crystals to sublimate and remove moisture. The vacuum degree and duration need to be controlled to ensure effective dehydration of the strains.

4. Drying Treatment: After freezing and vacuum treatment, transfer the strains to a drying device for further drying. During this process, temperature and humidity need to be controlled to ensure effective drying of the strains.

5. Packaging and Storage: Package and label the lyophilized strain samples, then store them in a dry, cool, and sealed environment to extend their preservation time and maintain their vitality.

Applications of the Lyophilization Process for Microbial Strains

The lyophilization process for microbial strains has broad applications in fields such as biomedicine, the food industry, and agriculture. Specific applications include:

- Biomedical Field: Lyophilization technology can be used to prepare vaccines, antibiotics, biological agents, and other pharmaceutical products. Lyophilized strains can be stored long-term, making them convenient for transportation and use.

- Food Industry: Lyophilization technology can be applied to prepare fermented foods such as yogurt and lactic acid bacteria beverages. Lyophilized strains can be used as fermentation agents in food products to improve quality and taste.

- Agricultural Field: Lyophilization technology can be used to prepare agricultural products such as pesticides and biofertilizers. Lyophilized strains can be released in the fields to perform biological control and promote plant growth.

The lyophilization process is a crucial method for microbial strain preservation. By freezing and drying, it extends the storage time and maintains the vitality of strains. This process has broad application prospects and plays a significant role in fields like medicine, food, and agriculture. With ongoing technological advancements, the lyophilization process will continue to improve and contribute more to human life and health.