Studies on the Preservation of the Ciliate Didinium nasutum

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Abstract
Two strains of D. nasutum (Mueller, 1786) Stein, 1859 were successfully frozen using 10% dimethylsulfoxide as a cryoprotectant. A suspension consisting partially or wholly of cysts frozen at a controlled rate of 1.degree. C/min gave rise, when thawed, to active feeding trophozoites which did not appear different from the original stock. Dried cysts were similarly recovered from -150.degree. C. An accelerated storage test designed to gauge stability of dried material proved that shredded filter paper was preferable to glass as a drying substrate, but indicate that viability would gradually decrease with storage at 4.degree. C. The ease, reliability and advantages of maintaining this protozoon cryogenically, especially in a dried condition, are presented to encourage more widespread acceptance and use of cryopreservation for encysting protozoa.

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