On the survival of dehydrated microorganisms – the role of the extracellular matrix

Investigating the impact that dehydration has on microorganisms is important for several reasons. In itself it is interesting to understand why some microorganisms are dehydration tolerant while others are not. It is also valuable knowledge from an application perspective as dried but yet viable cells are often more convenient to use for various biotechnological applications. The presence of extracellular compounds that easily form a glassy matrix, e.g. sugars, often help in maintaining the cell viability in the dry state.

By combining microbiological and physico-chemical methodologies the proposed project aims at resolving the role general material properties of the extracellular matrix play in protecting dehydrated bacterial cells versus the importance of specific interactions between the matrix components and the cells.

Key words: Microbiology, Biophysical Chemistry, Formulation, Freeze-drying