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Collections and Projects

Pink, fuzzy rod of enterobacteriaceae with long flowing tendrils.

ATCC collections and projects support innovative research

As the premier source for microbial reference strains since 1925, ATCC maintains among the world’s largest collection of bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi, protists, nucleic acids, and molecular tools. 

Within our holdings are several ATCC special collections and projects representing critical areas of research. These collections include high-quality, fully authenticated certified reference materials, human microbiome specimens, US National Park Service cultures, and eumycetozoan (slime mold) strains.

We provide these specialized offerings to support you in your crucial research toward the development of diagnostic assays, therapeutics, and treatments that support global health. Explore our rich collections and projects today to find the high-quality materials that will move your research forward.

Mixed assortment of different colored microbes, bacteria, viruses,  and protists.

Human Microbiome Project

ATCC offers the microbial strains and nucleic acids scientists need to study the human microbiome. This collection of microorganisms comprises species that were isolated in and on the human body as part of the Human Microbiome Project.

The strains provided are fully authenticated and characterized, and a majority of the collection has been sequenced as reference genomes for the Human Microbiome Project. Explore our collection for cultures isolated from the human skin, oral cavity, nasal cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and urogenital tract.

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Scientist using pipette to put pink liquid into small tube, bottles full of various colored liquids on table nearby.

Certified Reference Materials

Your scientific research requires biological products of the highest level of quality assurance, accuracy, and traceability. However, the inherent variability of biological materials brings unique challenges to establishing standards for in vitro model systems and setting up the ISO-compliant processes to produce them. Learn how our certified reference materials offer the reliability you need for incredible research results.

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A plume of smoke rising from layers of slate-like liquid at Great Fountain Geyser in Yellowstone National Park at sunset.

National Park Service Special Collection

From the hot springs of Yellowstone to the deserts of Big Bend National Park—a variety of microorganisms isolated from national parks across the United States are now available through the National Park Service Special Collection.

Approximately 100 bacteria, fungi, and protozoa are currently available in this special collection. Many of these remarkable organisms can survive in even the harshest of conditions, offering a fascinating study of microbial ecology and evolution.

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A large, round, sponge-like, yellow Eumycetozoan slime mold growing on green plants.

Eumycetozoan Project

The unique, robust life cycle of eumycetozoa (a type of slime mold) shows promise in the development of novel therapies for diseases such as cancer and dementia. ATCC supports that work through its involvement in the Euymecetozoan Project, created in 2004 through a partnership with the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and the National Science Foundation.

Our role includes maintaining eumycetozoans and making them available to the life science community. Let us simplify your workflow by providing you with these essential research specimens.

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Collections and Projects

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