Celebrating International Microorganism Day

Celebrate with us by helping our collection grow!

In celebration of International Microorganism Day, we are sending everyone that deposits a microorganism with us during September 2024 a limited-edition International Microorganism Day magnet. If your deposit is accepted into the collection, we’ll also send you a stuffed microbe!

By depositing your microbial strains in a biorepository, you are supporting scientific research, innovation, and the conservation of microbial biodiversity. Biorepositories like ATCC offer long-term storage under controlled conditions, ensuring the preservation and security of microbial samples. These materials can be shared with the scientific community, promoting research, collaboration, and the reproducibility of studies. In many cases, depositing microbial strains—especially type strains that serve as reference strains for specific species—can meet regulatory requirements for publications, patent applications, or approvals as ATCC provides the necessary documentation and verification. 

Your strain could join our collection of incredible microorganisms

As one of the largest collections of biomaterials in the world, ATCC houses an expansive collection of microorganisms spanning a wide variety of interesting and far-reaching applications. Through your strain deposit, together we can continue to make incredible advancements in microbiology.

• Infectious disease research – The rapid detection of pathogens is made possible through the use of authenticated controls in molecular diagnostic assays. By depositing with ATCC, you can  give scientists the tools to identify and combat diseases swiftly, ultimately saving lives through quicker diagnosis.
• Food production – As global protein demands increase, innovative protein sources become more important. Often overlooked, filamentous fungi can be used as an alternative protein source. Additionally, preserved Penicillium camemberti strains in our collection have the potential to safeguard future charcuterie boards.  These rare strains can save Camembert and Brie cheeses from extinction. 
• Industrial applications – Over 180 fungal strains in our collection have the potential to produce natural pigments for diverse industries such as paint, textile, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food. 26 ATCC strains demonstrate keto-reductase enzyme activity, which can improve efficiency in industrial biocatalytic reactions. These microorganisms are coloring our world and driving efficiency innovation.
• Environmental applications – Environmental warriors come in all sizes.  Microbes are the backbone of sustainable biofuel production, which can replace fossil fuels with more eco-friendly options. Already at work, microorganisms are being used for the bioremediation of pollutants like crude oil, gasoline, pesticides, and sewage. 
• Agriculture – Many bacterial and fungal species act as natural pest control with known biocontrol applications against weeds, nematodes, microbial pathogens, and arthropods. These incredible microbes are agricultural allies, protecting acres of crops from devastation and maintaining ecological balance.

By maintaining a robust microbial collection, ATCC fuels groundbreaking discoveries and innovation throughout the scientific community. We seek strains that are high-quality and well-documented so that we can continue to contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in all fields. We welcome all incredible microbes, but particularly ones that are novel, well-characterized, or involved in a recent outbreak.  By depositing with ATCC, your microbe has the potential to unlock cures, impact industries, and make a worldwide difference.

Contribute to one of the largest collections of biomaterials in the world! Submit your deposit by September 30^th to receive your limited-edition magnet and a chance to receive a stuffed microbe.

Deposit a microbe

Did you know?

ATCC has 112 strains of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa in our National Park Service Special Collection. This collection features microorganisms from the diverse array of environments that can be found in US national parks and includes thermophiles, alkaliphiles, and acidophiles.