Quality and competence management in microbial biobanks

Abstract

[Excerpt] Introduction: The invention of the microscope in the sixth century, and the report by Antoine van Leeuwenhoek about his first observations of microscopic single-celled organisms in October 1676, opened a window to a new and fascinating universe that has boosted the development of life sciences: The World of Microorganisms. If making microorganisms visible was a huge achievement, the long-term preservation of their unique characteristics was an even greater challenge which culture collections (CCs) first embraced 120 years ago (Santos and Lima, 2001). CC, biological research centres on microbial domain and microbial biobanks are all designations for the systematised ex-situ repositories dedicated to the collection and preservation of microorganisms. CCs are a critical component of the scientific infrastructure as they allow us to learn more about microorganism forms, functions, origins and distribution and advance scientific discovery and innovation, whilst studying the impacts of humans on biodiversity, advancing biomedical research, developing improved crops, biocontrol agents and pharmaceuticals, enriching education, connecting communities to nature and science and preserving Earth’s biological heritage. [...]