Towards Effective Cryopreservation: Innovations and Insights from Microalgae to Flowering Plants

Cryopreservation of eukaryotic photoautotrophs is a rapidly advancing field that intersects plant biology, biotechnology, and conservation science. As the global demand for conserving biodiversity intensifies, effective long-term storage solutions for microalgae, macroalgae, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms have become critical. Traditional storage approaches can be inadequate for safeguarding genetic resources of such diverse organisms, especially in the face of climate change and habitat loss. Despite ongoing research, several questions remain about the best practices, mechanisms underlying freeze tolerance, and the maintenance of viability and genetic stability after freezing.Recent studies have brought novel insights into the cellular and molecular bases of cold tolerance, the efficacy of innovative cryoprotectants, and the refinement of freezing and thawing protocols. Progress includes the adoption of vitrification and controlled freezing techniques as well as improved methods for assessing post-thaw recovery. However, challenges related to species-specific responses, optimizing protocols for non-model organisms, and ensuring long-term genetic integrity persist. There remains a need to better integrate knowledge from plant physiology, cell biology, and biotechnology, and to develop a unified framework that can serve both academic and conservation-focused initiatives.This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest challenges and technological advances in the cryopreservation of eukaryotic photoautotrophs. By fostering cross-disciplinary contributions, the goal is to bridge gaps between protocol development, mechanistic understanding, and applied conservation strategies. Key objectives include documenting innovative protocols, dissecting molecular tolerance mechanisms, and evaluating the long-term reliability of preservation practices across a spectrum of plant and algal taxa.Recognizing the vast taxonomic breadth and methodological diversity in this field, this Research Topic will focus on innovative protocols, mechanistic studies, and applications relevant to ex-situ conservation and genetic resource management. We welcome articles that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:• Development and optimization of cryopreservation protocols• Cryobiotechnology of microalgae, macroalgae, bryophytes, ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms• Novel uses and comparative evaluation of cryoprotectants• Mechanisms of vitrification, ice formation, and freezing injury• Cellular and molecular determinants of freezing tolerance and post-thaw recovery• Assessment of viability, genetic stability, and recovery after storage• Species- and lineage-specific responses to cryopreservation• Applications in germplasm banking, culture collections, and biobanking for conservation and agricultureWe welcome original research articles, reviews, methods papers, perspectives, and case studies that advance understanding and practice in the cryopreservation of eukaryotic photoautotrophs. Topic editors: Elena Corredoira, Daniel Ballesteros, Estefania Paredes Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80526/towards-effective-cryopreservation-innovations-and-insights-from-microalgae-to-flowering-plants