Current Insights into the Preservation and Storage Methods for Fungal Strains under Laboratory Conditions: A Review

Abstract

Fungal strains play a pivotal role in laboratory-based biological research, yet their long-term preservation remains a methodological challenge. This review critically evaluates the major preservation strategies applied in laboratory settings, including soil/sand storage, agar-based techniques, silica gel, sterile water, organic substrata, low and ultra-low temperature approaches, and cotton ball methods. Rather than simply listing these techniques, the article synthesizes comparative insights, highlighting how each method influences strain viability, genetic stability, and ease of application. Key findings emphasize that while low-temperature methods ensure long-term genetic fidelity, simpler approaches such as sterile water or soil/sand are more cost-effective but less reliable for extended preservation. By outlining the advantages, limitations, and practical considerations of each method, this review provides researchers with a clear framework to select preservation strategies tailored to their experimental needs and resource availability.