Storage of Candida albicans, C. tropicalis and related species in liquid nitrogen.

Storage in liquid nitrogen of a collection of C. albicans, C. tropicalis and related species checked by numerical and classical taxonomy is described. Strains stored for 3 years in liquid nitrogen were thawed and their survival was tested. After adaptation and regeneration, their fermentation and assimilation spectra, production of chlamydospores and pseudomycelia, appearance and radial growth rate of giant colonies were investigated and compared with the properties of cultures stored under paraffin oil. It follows from the results obtained that two different media--with an increased content of a nitrogen source and with an increased carbon source content--should be used for the post-heating adaptation and regeneration of yeast cells. In some strains it is useful to store them at 4 degrees C for additional time intervals in order to increase survival of the cells. The above strains can be successfully stored in liquid nitrogen.