Cryoprotection and Freeze-Drying Protection Series for Probiotics and Starter Cultures
Probiotics, lactic acid bacteria and starter cultures lose a large share of viable cells during freezing and freeze-drying, and viable count is what the product is worth. This series covers protective formulations added after harvest and before freeze-drying, in three types: cryoprotective nitrogen sources, cryoprotective additives and freeze-drying protectants.
Ice crystals form inside and around the cells during freezing, and water is lost during drying; both damage membranes and proteins. A protectant forms a protective layer around the cells and stabilises membrane structure so they survive freezing, drying and storage afterwards. Common protective components include sugars, proteins and peptides, and strains respond very differently to each formulation.
This page lists STBIO's CryoPro cryoprotective nitrogen sources, CryoAid cryoprotective additives and AcidPro freeze-drying protectants. Dose, combination and suitable strains depend on the product and the strain; refer to the specification sheet, or share your strain and current freeze-drying conditions with us to discuss.
How to choose
- Viable count drops too much after freeze-drying: compare a freeze-drying protectant (AcidPro) or cryoprotective nitrogen source (CryoPro) against your current formulation.
- Frozen storage or frozen concentrated cultures: look at the cryoprotective additives (CryoAid).
- If you need Halal, vegetarian or animal-free claims: check the certifications and raw-material origin on each product page.
- Strains differ widely; trial two or three side by side and compare survival after drying and stability in storage.
Products in this group
14CryoPro cryoprotective nitrogen sources
Peptide-based protective components that also serve as a nitrogen source before harvest
REF. 21564CryoPro CG2500 g5 kg25 kg
HalalREF. 21577HCryoPro F105500 g5 kg25 kg- HalalREF. 21365HCryopro GB500 g5 kg25 kg
- HalalREF. 21575HCryoPro P55500 g5 kg20 kg
- HalalREF. 21585HCryoPro P6500 g5 kg25 kg
- HalalREF. 21591HCryoPro P60500 g5 kg20 kg
- HalalREF. 21590HCryoPro P65500 g5 kg20 kg
- HalalREF. 21589HCryoPro PR52500 g5 kg20 kg
- HalalREF. 21578HCryoPro RF150500 g5 kg25 kg
CryoAid cryoprotective additives
For frozen storage and frozen concentrated cultures
AcidPro freeze-drying protectants
Protective formulations added before freeze-drying
Frequently asked questions
01When is the protectant added?
Normally after fermentation, once the cells have been collected by centrifugation or filtration: the protectant is mixed evenly into the cell concentrate before freezing or freeze-drying. Dose and mixing depend on the product specification and the strain.
02Can the formulation be adjusted for our strain?
Yes. Survival after freeze-drying varies greatly by strain. Share your strain, current protectant and freeze-drying conditions; we can supply samples for comparison and adjust the formulation where needed.
Further reading
- Why Must You Use Food-Grade MRS Broth for Lactic Acid Bacteria Seed Cultures?Many assume that as long as MRS Broth supports the growth of your bacterial strain, it’s good enough. However, if you are manufacturing foods, fermented pr…
- Why Are There So Many Different Types of Peptones?Different microorganisms need different nutrients, so peptones are made from animal, plant and yeast sources with enzymatic or acid hydrolysis. How the source and process change growth, yield and compliance, and how to choose.