Collections of Microalgae and Cyanobacteria in Russia: Present State, Problems, and Prospects

Abstract—

Biological collections are systematic repositories of living cultures or fixed preparations and provide researchers with the material required both for basic and applied studies and for educational activities. A collection sample is the only reliable evidence of the existence of a living organism in time and space, whose multifunctionality allows it to be studied as a part of biodiversity and as a bioresource for the development of biotechnologies. Microalgae are an ancient ecological group of taxonomically diverse organisms (cyanobacteria, diatoms, charophytes, green and yellow-green algae, etc.), possessing unique physiology, broad ecological valency and plasticity, which results in their predominance in various habitats. This evolutionarily successful group is also in high demand for commercial applications in environmental monitoring, agriculture, bioenergetics, pharmacy, and the food industry. The analysis of data from an independent survey of 21 Russian collections of microalgae and cyanobacteria is provided. The survey included information on the main characteristics of the collections (funds, profile, methods, document management, etc.), emerging problems, and approaches to their solution.