Under this heading the WFCC Newsletter offers culture collections, federations or organizations of culture collections the opportunity to present short articles covering the nature and activities of their collection or federation/organization.

PASTEUR CULTURE COLLECTION OF CYANOBACTERIA (PCC)

The Pasteur Culture Collection of axenic cyanobacterial strains (PCC), maintained in the Unité de Physiologie Microbienne at the Institute Pasteur, Paris, France, is one of the specialized culture collections of the Institut Pasteur, administratively attached to the Collection Nationale de Cultures de Microorganisms (CNCM).

The collection has its roots in the Department of Bacteriology of the University of California at Berkeley, California, U.S.A., where Roger Y. Stanier, having long recognized the prokaryotic nature of "blue-green algae", agreed that Mary Mennes Allen should study this group of organisms for her doctoral thesis. Thanks to her improvements of growth conditions on solid medium, the first small collection of axenic strains was established in 1968, their physiological and genetic properties being described several years later (Stanier et al.,1971).

After his move from Berkeley in 1971, Prof. Stanier integrated the Berkeley Collection in the Institut Pasteur in Paris, and encouraged his small team (Josette Deruelles, Rosmarie Rippka and John B. Waterbury), to isolate, purify and characterize many more strains of this group of photosynthetic prokaryotes, for which he (Stanier, 1974) proposed the name "cyanobacteria". A detailed description of about 170 cyanobacterial strains in axenic culture in the Pasteur Culture Collection of cyanobacteria was given by Rippka et al. in 1979.

After Roger Stanier's untimely departure, the collection was generously supported by Dr. Germaine Cohen-Bazire (Stanier), director of the Unité de Physiologie Microbienne from 1982 to 1988. Characterization of strains was continued during this period and a number of papers of taxonomic interest were published from the laboratory.

The present director of the Unité de Physiologie Microbienne, Dr. Nicole Tandeau de Marsac, not only continues to recognize the importance of the cyanobacterial collection but also encouraged both its further development and the preparation of the first edition of a catalogue in 1992, which was a major landmark for the PCC.

By the end of 1995, the number of axenic strains in the PCC had increased to about 600, and now represents a collection of a large number of genera and species isolated from a wide variety of habitats. This achievement only was possible in collaboration with numerous colleagues or trainees in the Unité de Physiologie Microbienne and investigators from other laboratories in all part of the world. The development of the Collection and the identification of isolates are conducted, since 1971, under the responsibility of Rosmarie Rippka. Help with the maintenance of living cultures and the conservation of strains in liquid nitrogen is provided by Thérèse Coursin, Magali Tichit and Thierry Laurent.

The catalogue of the Pasteur Cuöture Collection of cyanobacterial strains contains over 100 pages of information on the axenic strains (about 500) held in the PCC prior to publication of the first edition. The catalogue includes 12 parts (Taxonomy; Ordering of Strains; Notes on the strain descriptions; Strain list; Culture media and growth; Bibliography; PCC reference strains and their proposed assignments; Culture collection cross-reference list; Synonym index; Geographical index; Environmental index; Strain index). The price of the catalogue is 85 FF, plus postage. The current charges per culture is 300/150 F (HT) for private establishments/ educational or research institutions within France and 350/175 FF for other countries, but these prices will be subject to considerable increase in the near future..

The PCC is a member of the WFCC and is included in the World Directory of Collections under reference no. 481. It supported by the Institut Pasteur and by the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (URA 1129). Contact: Rosmarie Rippka, Unité de Physiologie Microbienne, PCC, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, F-75724 PARIS Cedex 15, France, Tel +33 1 4568 8416, Fax +33 1 4061 3042, Email rrippka@pasteur.fr.

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American Type Culture Collection (ATCC)

12301 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20852-1776, USA

ATCC Yeast Reference Guide, 1995

ATCC Animal Viruses Refernce Guide, 1996

ATCC Cell Lines & Hybridomas Ordering Catalog 1996

Czech Collection of Microorganisms (CCM),

Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Tvrdého 14, CZ-60200 Brno, Czech Republic

Catalogue of Strains (1991): Supplement 1994.

DSMZ-Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen, Mascheroder Weg 1 b, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany

Catalogue of Strains: Supplement 1996.

Institute for Fermentation, Osaka (IFO),

17-85, Juso-honmachi 2-chome, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka 532, Japan

List of Cultures: Microorganisms, 10th edition, 1996

National Collection of Dairy Cultures (NCDC), Dairy Microbiology Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132001, India

Catalogue of Strains 1996.

All-Russian Collection of Microorganisms (ARCM, VKM), Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow oblst', 142292

The collection of mycelial fungi of the All- Russian Collection of Microorganisms (ARCM, VKM) has developed a database on strains in the ARCM. This database (in Russian and English language) was used in preparation of a published Catalog of the ARCM Cultures. The ARCM is currently engaged in accumulating, editing and formatting information relating to properties of mycelial fungi with biotechnological potential. Work was started on new databases on pathogenic and toxigenic species of mycelial fungi hazardous to humans, animals and plants. The ARCM is ready to provide information and consultation on fungal nomenclature and identification, on maintaining strains in laboratory conditions, and on the choice of promising cultures for specific research projects related to mycelial fungi. More information can be found in the publication of S. M. Ozerskaya, G. A. Kochkins, N. E. Ivanushkina, The ARCM database on strains of mycelial fungi, Mikrobiologia 64, 5-9, 1995.

The database of the E. coli Genetic Stock Centre (CGSC) at the Yale University is now available in the Internet: http://cgsc.biology.yale.edu/cgsc.html

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Publication Author(s): Title

No. 12     C. Rohde: Plasmid isolation from bacteria: some fast procedures 

No. 13     H.M. Schumacher, K.A. Malik, F. van Iren: Simple storage of plant cell cultures in liquid media

No. 14     C. Rohde, D. Claus, K.A. Malik: Packing and shipping of biological materials:   
              some instructions, legal requirements and international regulations

The information sheets, which are also published in World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology, can be obtained from the editor Dr. K.A. Malik, DSMZ-Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen, Mascheroder Weg 1b, D-38124 Braunschweig (fax +49 531 2616 418).

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BIN21 is an international collaborative network of agencies involved in the management and presentation of biodiversity information. As such, many of its aims are similar to those of the proposed Clearing-House Mechanism (UNEP/CBD/COP/2/6 Document on the "Establishment of the Clearing-House Mechanism to Promote and Facilitate Technical and Scientific Cooperation)". The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity could utilise many of the BIN21 experiences in its setting up of the Clearing-House Mechanism.

During a workshop "Clearing House Mechanism on Biological Diversity. The Role of Special Interest Networks" held in Campinas, Brazil, October 17-19, 1995, the development of the Clearing-House Mechanism under the Convention has prompted a reevaluation of the goals of the BIN21 vis a vis the Clearing-House Mechanism. It was agreed that BIN21 does have a continuing role to play in the furtherance of information exchange within the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The participants at the meeting felt that BIN21 could best support the aims of its participating members and those of the Convention by functioning as an international collaborative test-bed to design and evaluate informatics tools and methodologies (new applications based on currently available tools as well as emerging technologies). Many of these are now being developed by participating nodes of BIN21 and the BIN21 network provides a unique opportunity to trial these in a cooperative environment. The results of much of this technology will feed directly into the Clearing-House Mechanism and be compatible with the aims of the Convention in providing a mechanism for technology transfer between nations.

Further information about BIN21 and its participating nodes can be found at the BIN21 Home Page on the Internet (http://www.bdt.org.br/bin21/bin2l.html). It is proposed that as well as functioning as a prototype for the Clearing-House Mechanism, BIN21 would be linked as a Thematic Node for informatic tools and methodologies.

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ATCC Workshops 1996.

Contact: American Type Culture Collection, 12301 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, Maryland, USA 20852 (Tel. +1 301 231 5566, E mail: workshop@atcc.org)

14th ANNUAL ATCC BIOTECHNOLOGY PATENT FORUM, September 16-17, 1996

The ATCC will again be hosting the annual ATCC Biotechnology Patent Forum for biotechnology and chemical patent attorneys, examiners and agents, biotechnology researchers, and bioscience teachers and professors, to name a few. The forum has a new format and will be an interactive symposium for discussion and debate of current biotechnology patent issues. An optional half day will be devoted to laboratory demonstrations and discussions to familiarize the participant with basic molecular genetics, recombinant DNA and hybridoma technologies, as well as a tour of the ATCC facility.

MICROSCOPY/PHOTOMICROGRAPHY, October 2-4, 1996

This three-day course will cover the principles and hands-on practices of light microscopy and photomicrography. The content will be applicable to instruments of all major microscope manufacturers. Limited to 22 participants. FEE: US$875.00. Faculty: Mortimer Abramowitz, Consultant in Microscopy

Topics:

Image formations: geometric optics, wave optics, diffraction, contrast;

Koehler Illumination: principles, setting up, diaphragms, conjugate planes;

Clarification of Terms: adjustment distance, focal distance, working distance, mechanical tube length, optical tube length, depth of field, depth of focus;

Numerical Aperture: meaning and formula, relationship to resolution, relationship to total magnification, relationship to light intensity;

Selection of Equipment: aberrations and corrections, finite and infinity-corrected systems, condensers, visual and photo-eyepieces;

Contrast Techniques: darkfield, phase contrast, differential interference contrast, Hoffman modulation contrast, fluorescence microscopy;

Selection of Film: color, black/white, ASA and grain, Polaroid;

Filters for Photomicrography: Kelvin temperature and voltage of lamp, color conversion filters, color balancing filters, neutral density filters, didymium filters, filters for black and white photomicrography;

Esposure: metering, reciprocity, reciprocity failure, color compensating filters for lengthy exposures;

Focusing: focusing telescope, focusing magnifier;

Fluorescence Photomicrography: special considerations.

FREEZING AND FREEZEDRYING OF MICROORGAMSMS, October 15-18, 1996

A four-day course for scientists and technical personnel in the fields of Bacteriology, Mycology, Protistology and Virology who need reliable methods of culture preservation. This course has been expanded to four days to allow for additional hands-on laboratory work. Limited to 24 participants. FEE: US$1,095.00. Faculty: M.T. Alexander, B.S. (Workshop Director); Frank P. Simione, Jr., M.S., Director, ATCC Program in Professional Services; Ronald L. Jewett, B.A., Director, ATCC Program in Manufacturing.

Lecture topics include cellular responses to ice crystal formation, changes in isotonicity of the cellular environment, rates of cooling, latent heat of fusion, sublimation dynamics, collapse, melt-back factors affecting the viability of frozen and freeze-dried microorganisms, importance of residual moisture and methods for determining residual moisture, cryoprotectants and other additives, and shelf life prediction.

The benefits and drawbacks of each method are discussed, as well as optimum storage, rehydration and thawing conditions.
Laboratory sessions include several ATCC methods for freezing and freeze-drying; use of bench-top commercial sublimators, preparation of cells, cryopreservation and lyophilization; torch sealing, rehydration and subculturing. A copy of the "ATCC Preservation Methods Manual" will be included with the course manual.

The INTERNATIONAL MYCOLOGICAL INSTITUTE offers the following Training Courses (Contact: Mrs. Stephanie Groundwater, International Mycological Institute, Bakeham Lane, Egham, Surrey TW20 9TY, UK. Tel. +44 1784 470111, Fax +44 1784 470909, Email s.groundwater@cabi.org.

MYCOTOXINS - OCCURENCE, SIGNIFICANCE AND ANALYSIS, October 21-25,1996

A new 5 day course for those interested in mycotoxins on food or feed stuffs. Sessions will cover sampling, analysis by TLC, HPLC, ELISA, and commercially available kits, health implications for animals and humans, identification of relevant fungi, safety, economic consequences and regulatory issues. The course will be taught by Victor Medlock of Onsite Training together with IMI biochemists and mycologists. This team has a wide range of experience in the mycotoxin field. Lectures, practical laboratory sessions and seminar/demonstrations will be given. The course fee of ��800 includes tuition and a course manual but excludes accommodation and meals.

ISOLATION & IDENTIFICATION OF FUNGI FROM NATURAL HABITATS

November 18-22, 1996

A new 5 day course designed to help those needing to isolate fungi from a range of different natural habitats and give a group or, in some cases, generic level preliminary identification to the isolations. It will be of use to those involved in natural product screening programmes, ecosystem and biodiversity surveys, environmental consultancy, ecology and soil biology. The course will cover a wide range of techniques for obtaining fungi and suggestions and ideas for maximising the diversity sampled. Habitats to be covered include soil, fresh water, leaf litter, living plant material, insects and air. The course will also include a session on how to go about identifying a fungus and the recognition of the main groups of fungi. If participants are interested, an optional session on the gathering and handling of data about fungal biodiversity in an ecosystem will be included.The course fee of ��600 includes tuition and a course manual, coffee, tea and cold buffet lunches.

BASIC MYCOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES

3-4 December, 1996

A popular course aimed at microbiology technicians or others needing help with traditional mycological techniques. It will be suitable for those working in plant pathology, industry, food or environmental mycology. It will be particularly useful for new technical staff or those unused to working with fungi. Isolation from plant material, soil and manufactured goods will be covered. Topics will include the preparation of a variety of material for microscopic examination, culturing and aseptic techniques, methods of inducing sporulation and the use and preparation of standard and specialised media. The course will consist of lectures and demonstrations but most time will be spent in experience building practical sessions. There will be ample opportunity for discussion of any particular mycological problems which participants may have encountered.The course fee of ��325 includes tuition and a course manual, coffee/tea and cold buffet lunches.

ECACC Training Courses 1996. Contact: Mrs. Gina Hartwell, European Collection of Cell Cultures, C.A.M.R., Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK, Tel. +44 1980 612228, Fax +44 1980 611315.

AN INTRODUCTION TO CELL CULTURE METHODS, October 21 - 25, 1996

This course will provide a programme of lectures and practicals designed for people with limited cell culture experience. There will be a maximum of 12 participants. A bursary of ��500 funded by the European Society of Animal Cell Technology (ESACT) is available to workers from non-profit making organisations within Europe.

ADVANCES IN ANIMAL CELL CULTURE, September 23 - 29, 1996

The course will be held in collaboration with the Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Technologica (IBET), Oeiras, Portugal, in Oeiras and will provide an update on current developments in animal cell technology with practical training. Bursaries for scientists from non-profit organisations within Europe are available, kindly provided by the European Society of Animal Cell Technology ESACT.

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8th International Congress of Bacteriology and Applied Microbiology and Mycology Division of the IUMS, August 18-23, 1996, JERUSALEM, Israel. Contact: Prof. I. Kahane, IUMS '96, P.O. Box 50006, Tel Aviv 61500, Israel (Fax +972-3-510014)

6th International Fungal Spore Conference, 25-29 August, 1996, KONSTANZ, Germany. Contact Prof. K. Mendgen, Universität Konstanz, Lehrstuhl Phytopathologie, D-78464 Konstanz, Germany (Fax +49-7531-883035)

8th International Congress for Culture Collections (ICCC-8) ,25-29 August, 1996, Veldhoven, The Netherlands,Contact: Administrative secretariat ICCC-8 1996, c/o Congress Hotel and Meeting Centre Koningshof, P.O.Box140, NL-5500 AC Veldhoven, The Netherlands (Fax +31 40 545515, E-mail congress@koningshof.nl)

10th International Biotechnology Symposium and 9th International Symposium on Yeasts, 25-30 August, 1996, SYDNEY, Australia. Contact: IBS/ISY Secretariat, GPO Box 128, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia (Fax 61 2 262 2323, E-mail tourhosts@tourhosts.com.au)

1st International Conference on Fungi: Hopes and Challenges, 2-6 September, 1996, CAIRO, Egypt. Contact: Prof. A.A. Razak, PO Box 8104, Massaken Madinet NASR 11371, Madinet Nasr, Cairo, Egypt

International Symposium: Thermophiles '96: Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology of Thermophilic Microorganisms, 4-9 September, 1996, Athens, Ga., USA. Contact: Juergen Wiegel, Dept. of Microbiol., Univ. of Geoergia, Athens, GA 30601, USA (Fax +1 706 542 2651, E-mail jwiegel@UGA.CC.UGA.EDU)

Cellular and Molecular Biology 2nd World Congress, 1-7 September, 1996, Ottawa, Canada. Contact: Cellular and Molecular Biology 2nd World Congress Coordination Office, c/o Golden Planners Inc., Suite 401, 126 York Street, Ottawa, ON (Canada) K1N 5T5 (Fax +1 613 565 2173, E-mail 74117.370@compuserve.com)

5th Symposium on Lactic Acid Bacteria: Genetics, Metabolism and Applications, 8-12 September, 1996, Veldhoven, The Netherlands. Contact: Dr. A.M. Ledeboer, Unilever Research Laboratory, P.O. Box 114, NL-3130 AC Vlaardingen, The Netherlands (Fax +31 10 460 5383)

International Symposium on Subsurface Microbiology, 15-21 September, 1996, Davos, Switzerland. Contact: Prof. R. Bachofen, Institute of Plant Biology, Zollikerstr. 107, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland (Fax +41 1 385 4204, E-mail bachofen@botinst.unizh.ch)

International Conference on Microbial Diversity: the current situation, conservation strategy and ecological aspects (ICOMID '96), 8-11 October 1996, Perm, Russia. Contact: Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 13 Golev str., Perm 614081, Russia (Fax: +7 3422 64 67 11, E-mail mike@iegm.perm.su)

Biotechnolgy Information: Access, Storage, Validation and Security. Wallingford, UK, 10 October, 1996. Contact: Rebecca Holderness, Development Projects Unit, CAB INTERNATIONAL, Wallingford, Oxon OX10 8DE, UK (Fax: +44 1491 833508, E-mail r.holdernes@cabi.org)

13th Congress of the International Society of Human and Animal Mycology, 8-13 June, 1997, Salsomaggiore Terme, Parma, Italia. Contact: Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, viale A. Gramsci, I-14 43100 Parma, Italy (Fax +39 521 987139, E-mail ishamcom@ipruniv.cce.unipr.it)

Spore Conference Cambridge, 8-11 July, 1997, Contact: Will Waites, Applied Biochemistry & Food Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonnington Campus, Loughborough, Leics LE12 5RD (Fax +44 115951 6162, E-mail sczwm@szni.nott.ac.uk)

This WFCC Newsletter was edited by Dr. Dieter Claus, Chemnitzerstrasse 3, D-37085 Göttingen, Germany.

All material for inclusion in the next Newsletter should be sent to the Secretary of WFCC

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