Phase III: Conservation and handling of reference and standard microbial cultures collections, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and bio control agents( Towards Global Recognition and Academic Accreditation)

Summary

Egypt has a vast and varied microbial riches that has enormous promise for a range of biotechnological uses in industries, agriculture, and medicine. The creation and development of strong Microbial Resource Centers (MRCs) are essential to efficiently use this priceless resource. Through the persistent efforts of the National Program for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology-Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, the National Network for the Preservation and Exchange of Microbial Cultures, which consists of five main branches spread across five research institutions, has consolidated and established itself over the past ten years, accomplishing the majority of its goals. We must now finish this unique initiative with funds for a third phase in order to guarantee the continuity of funding across two phases. This is crucial to reach the ultimate goal of this network: establishing internationally recognized and interconnected Microbial Resource Centers (for microbial sustainability) in Egypt capable of comprehensive conservation, characterization, and distribution of microbial resources, thereby fostering  national and international collaboration and innovation in the field of  biotechnology. Therefore, this project aims to achieve the following specific objectives to build upon existing efforts to strengthen these centers, focusing on achieving international recognition, expanding their capabilities, and fostering collaborative networks. By enhancing the infrastructure, expertise, and scope of Egyptian MRCs, this initiative will contribute significantly to national scientific advancement and economic growth.

E M C C N holds 75 bacterial strains from different environments . These are provided to the researchers and investigators who wish to undertake large scale. Some strains  have been deposited as general deposit which is accessible to public. The cultures are preserved in three different forms −80 °C, liquid nitrogen and in lyophilized form. The cultures are supplied to the users either as lyophilized vial or as growing culture on the slant. It has expertise to handle all the groups of plant growth promoting bacteria. E M C C N also provides various services to institutes/universities and industries like supply of cultures, identification services, Biochemical characterization, etc.) and educational services (workshops in colleges and universities, hands on trainings, etc.). In the future it is envisaged that it will be an independent entity that will serve the Research, industrial and agricultural fields for the characterization, authentication and long term preservation of precious microbial resources.

The third phase of the EMCCN project aims to elevate Egypt’s microbial culture collection capabilities to meet international accreditation and academic recognition standards. This phase builds upon two previous stages in which over 75 bacterial and fungal strains were collected and  preserved, and a central laboratory was established. In Phase III, 50 strains will be fully characterized, the network’s operations standardized, and systems implemented to ensure long-term sustainability. Outputs will include an accredited microbial repository, integration with national academic curricula, expanded national collaboration, and inclusion in international culture collection networks. The outcomes of this phase are :

• Forming a trained research team.

• A dedicated laboratory for strain preservation was established, equipped with the capabilities to complete this work.
• Adding several multi-purpose microbial strains to the strain pool .
• Availability of microbial cultures using various preservation methods.
• Publication and awareness of the importance of this national project for preserving microbial wealth was conducted among interested parties.
• Training Programs: Implement specialized training programs for personnel working in the MRCs, commercial companies, manufacturers, and postgraduate and undergraduate students in Egypt and the MENA region focused on advanced techniques in microbial isolation, preservation, characterization (phenotypic and genotypic), and new data management programs.

Achievements

List of Publications from the Project

Partners

Project Members

Project Leaders