IST Yeasts

Services

The services offered by the IST-Yeasts Culture Collection include the distribution of cultures listed and described in the catalogue and the molecular taxonomic identification of yeasts. The Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (iBB), a research centre of Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, where the Culture Collection is located, can also provide consultancy services on scientific and biotechnological aspects of yeasts to the international scientific community and private institutions.

The responsible academic Institution of the University of Lisbon, Instituto Superior Técnico, provides advanced training in yeast biology and biotechnology in the context of undergraduate program in Biological Engineering and the master´s programs in Biological Engineering, Biotechnology, and Microbiology and the PhD program in Biotechnology and Biosciences. Short-term and intensive training courses on topics related with yeast biology, molecular identification, and biotechnology could be taught in the framework of the IST-Yeasts Culture Collection.

Below is an in-depth analysis of all the services offered:

Molecular Identification of yeast strains

The IST-Yeasts Culture Collection provides a service for yeast identification using molecular taxonomy techniques [sequencing of the D1/D2 domain of the 26S rRNA gene and of the Internal Transcribed Spacers (ITS1 and ITS2 regions), including the 5.8S rRNA gene].

The variable D1/D2 region of the nuclear-encoded 26S ribosomal DNA (26S rDNA), is recommended for rapid and accurate species identification. Additionally, upon request, the identification is also performed based on the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) situated between the small and large subunits of the ribosomal DNA for more conclusive results.

The strains for identification must be supplied as pure cultures and accompanied by all possible information regarding their origin and growth requirements. Strains must be sent in the form of fresh culture in agar medium, ensuring their arrival in safe conditions. At the end of the identification procedure, an identification report containing the best match between known species with sequences available and the result of the identification (name of the species and references) will be sent to whoever requested the service.

For more information on how to request this service contact us at blueyeastscc@gmail.com, and check the information available on Pricing & Shipping.

Distribution of cultures

All the cultures listed and described in the catalogue of the IST-Yeasts Culture Collection are available on request for educational and research purposes. The strains may also be available for commercial purposes, subject to the specific agreement between the IST-Yeasts CC and the applicant institution/company.

Strains are cryopreserved at -80ºC in a solution of 15% (v/v) glycerol and need to be revitalized before shipping; this procedure usually takes a few days. Moreover, prior to any shipment, the purity, vitality and morphological traits of the strain will be checked. The entire procedure will last approximately 3-4 weeks.

The cultures are supplied in a solid agar-medium plate. It is advisable to examine the strain vitality, purity or expected culture traits, upon arrival. Any unsatisfactory strain received will be replaced upon request if IST-Yeasts CC is notified within 4 weeks from shipment.

Catalogo_IST_YeastsDescarregar

Handling and safety issues:

  • Cultures sent by IST-Yeasts CC should only be opened and used by trained personnel, in suitable laboratory conditions. IST-Yeasts CC is not responsible for any damage or injury that might happen after arrival.
  • The customer should maintain, grow, use or dispose of the cultures in accordance with appropriate procedures and precautions to avoid risks to people and to the environment. It is recommended that all the environmental strains in the IST-Yeasts CC are treated with caution. Some species are described as opportunistic pathogens, and it is possible that some strains may produce metabolites of unknown toxicity.
  • In all situations, customers are advised to use a Class II biosafety cabinet for work with the cultures, and an autoclave or other suitable method for disposal and decontamination within the lab.