About MSCL

The Microbial Strain Collection of Latvia (MSCL) was established in 1993 on the basis of the Department of Plant Physiology and Microbiology Faculty of Biology University of Latvia. The Collection is a member of the World Federation for Culture Collections (WFCC) since 1996 and of the European Culture Collection's Organization (ECCO) since 1997. MSCL is registered in the WFCC-MIRCEN World Data Centre for Microorganisms (WDCM). Since 31 May 1997 MSCL is recognized as an International Depository Authority (IDA) for patent deposit under the Budapest Treaty by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

The present fund of microbial strains (over 1600 cultures of bacteria, filamentous fungi and yeasts) is of great scientific and biotechnological interest, as well as of practical importance for Latvia. A considerable part of them have been isolated in Latvia and are single samples in the world. During the last decade MSCL has become an essential infrastructure for Life Sciences and biotechnology in Latvia. It is the leading microbial services provider collection in Latvia.

All deposited cultures at MSCL are preserved in liquid nitrogen, exceptionally – under the mineral oil.

Through the partnerships and collaborations with research institutions and private companies MSCL is involved in several joint projects funded both by European Commission and by national institutions.

In addition to service functions the staff of MSCL participates also in the teaching process of the students Faculty of Biology University of Latvia (acquirement of specific skills in microbiology, supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree papers and Doctoral dissertations).