This research aimed to determine the optimal media and temperature conditions for the long-term storage of bacteriophages. In this study, the viability of Salmonella phages in 50% glycerol, 10% sodium chloride-magnesium sulfate (SM) buffer, and 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) media at room temperature, 4^oC, -20^oC, and -80^oC for 12 months was determined. In 50% glycerol, at the end of the experiment, no significant difference was found between four temperature conditions on phage density, ranging from 6.20-6.23 log₁₀ PFU/mL (P>0.05). Under 10% SM medium, phage preservation at room temperature provided the optimum density at 6.31 log₁₀ PFU/mL. In addition, phages preserved in a 5% DMSO medium were of similar density values across all temperature treatments. Still, their availability after 12 month-storage (88.0-88.5%) was significantly lower (PoC, -20^oC, and -80^oC) were superior to room temperature used for preservation. Considering the density, lysis capacity, and practical convenience, storing phages at 4°C in a 50% Glycerol medium is recommended.

Keywords: Glycerol, medium, phage, storage, temperature