Post‐Thawing Viability of the Microalgae <i>Scenedesmus dimorphus</i> : The Importance of Species‐Specific Cryopreservation

Cryopreservation of microalgae is crucial for preserving strains that are valuable for biotechnology and industry. The cryopreservation of Scenedesmus dimorphus is particularly relevant due to its emerging role in sustainable biotechnology, including its high lipid accumulation for biofuel production, adaptability to variable lighting conditions, and potential for biomass generation in large‐scale photobioreactors. This study evaluates the response of S. dimorphus to two common cryoprotectants, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methanol (MeOH), used at concentrations of 5% and 10%. Cell viability post‐thaw was assessed through three criteria: no cell damage (NCD), cell damage (CD), and marked lesions (ML), with flow cytometry to measure damage to mitochondria and cell membranes. The study followed a 2 × 2 factorial design with five replications per treatment, evaluating population growth and CD from the fifth day post‐thaw. Findings indicated that methanol (MET) at 5% or 10% supported moderate population growth, suggesting it as a potential alternative for cryopreservation in S. dimorphus . However, S. dimorphus showed greater susceptibility to CD and lesions than other species in the same genus, highlighting the need for species‐specific protocols to optimize post‐thaw viability. This research underscores the importance of tailored cryopreservation strategies for different microalgae species.