Scientists from Novosibirsk State Technical University have developed and patented a biodegradable cryogel that helps maintain the viability of microorganisms without complex and expensive storage conditions.
The new development can be used in several areas at once. In medicine, cryogel is considered for targeted drug delivery, in the food industry - for storing bacterial starter cultures for yogurts and other fermented milk products, and in biopharmaceutics - for preserving collection strains of bacteria.
The material can also be used in the production of dietary supplements and functional foods, and in agriculture - in the creation of microbiological preparations.
The main feature of cryogel is its ability to maintain the viability of bacteria at room temperature for a long time.
As explained at NSTU, this approach may be more promising compared to traditional methods of storing microorganisms. Currently, lyophilization - drying from a frozen state - and cryopreservation, i.e., deep freezing, are often used for long-term preservation. However, such technologies require special conditions and significant costs.
According to the project leader, Candidate of Biological Sciences, junior researcher at the NSTU Center for Technological Excellence Anastasia Korel, chitosan modification made it possible to reduce the cytotoxicity of the polymer and make it safer for intestinal cells.
The principle of the material's operation is that cryogel protects bacteria inside the body. In the acidic environment of the stomach, it does not break down and acts as a protective capsule for microorganisms.