We are pleased to inform you that the Open Access review paper
Preservation, Characterization and Exploitation of Microbial Biodiversity: The Perspective of the Italian Network of Culture Collections
by MIRRI-IT partners has been published by the Microorganisms\ journal as part of the Special Issue “Preservation, Characterization and Exploitation of Microbial Biodiversity of Agri-Food and Environmental Interest”.
See the full paper Open Access.
Reference
De Vero L, Boniotti MB, Budroni M, Buzzini P, Cassanelli S, Comunian R, Gullo M, Logrieco AF, Mannazzu I, Musumeci R, Perugini I, Perrone G, Pulvirenti A, Romano P, Turchetti B, Varese GC. Preservation, Characterization and Exploitation of Microbial Biodiversity: The Perspective of the Italian Network of Culture Collections. Microorganisms. 2019; 7(12):685.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms7120685
Corresponding author
Dr Luciana De Vero, Unimore Microbial Culture Collection, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
Abstract
Microorganisms represent most of the biodiversity of living organisms in every ecological habitat. They have profound effects on the functioning of any ecosystem, and therefore on the health of our planet and of human beings.
Moreover, microorganisms are the main protagonists in food, medical and biotech industries, and have several environmental applications.
Accordingly, the characterization and preservation of microbial biodiversity are essential not only for the maintenance of natural ecosystems but also for research purposes and biotechnological exploitation.
In this context, culture collections (CCs) and microbial biological resource centres (mBRCs) are crucial for the safeguarding and circulation of biological resources, as well as for the progress of life sciences.
This review deals with the expertise and services of CCs, in particular concerning preservation and characterization of microbial resources, by pointing to the advanced approaches applied to investigate a huge reservoir of microorganisms.
Data sharing and web services as well as the tight interconnection between CCs and the biotechnological industry are highlighted.
In addition, guidelines and regulations related to quality management systems (QMSs), biosafety and biosecurity issues are discussed according to the perspectives of CCs and mBRCs.