METHODS FOR THE CULTURE CONSERVATION OF EDIBLE AND MEDICINAL FUNGI

Abstract

The maintenance and conservation of strains of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and fungi are vital for the advancement and development of various life science areas, impacting studies in genetics, biodiversity, bioprospecting, biotechnology, medicine, veterinary, environment, food security, nutrition, among others. The preservation of this biological material has achieved the safeguarding of industrial potential and the possibility of researching new functions and the use for the benefit of humanity. Various culture preservation methods have been developed over the years, such as sterile distilled water, cryopreservation, freeze-drying, sub-culture, and sterile mineral oil; these allow storing strains of various microorganisms under appropriate conditions and for long periods. For the case of edible and medicinal fungi, the most used conservation methods are cryopreservation and sterile distilled water, guaranteeing the stability of the characteristics of these fungi, their viability, and their biological potential over time; however, the need to continue evaluating different methods and applications in this type of fungus persists.