Presently there are more than 20 culture collections of non-medical
profile in Russian Federation. The total holding of the collections exceeds 45 thousands
of microbial cultures isolated from the very different sources and being of scientific and
biotechnological importance.
Over 27 thousands of cultures of bacteria, including
actinomycetes, are being held at 10 main Russian collections. 6 collections of filamentous
fungi and 4 collections of yeast maintain approximately 7 thousands of respective
cultures. 3 specialized collections of microalgal cultures hold over 1.5 thousands of
strains. In a series of collections phages, plasmids and genetically modified strains of
microorganisms are held.
Besides the main work on taxonomy, systematics, identification
and preservation of viable cultures, the scientific staff of collections systematically
screens the strains of microorganisms for specific properties such as production of
biologically active metabolites, etc.
The information data management of culture collections includes
the regular publication of Catalogues of strains issued both in printed and electronic
forms. Catalogues of strains of all main collections of Russian Federation are now
accessible via Internet (WDCM WFCC), as well as on
diskettes and hard copies from collections.