RESUMO
Background: Cell culture is the most popular method of virus propagation because of its high sensitivity. However, the need of high cost liquid nitrogen for storage of cell lines is one of the main limiting factor for its widespread use in developing countries. Objective: The present study was therefore carried out to standardize the preservation of continuous cell lines at deep freezer (-85ºC) for 6 months. Methods: Fixed number of Vero and Hep2 cells were preserved at -85ºC deep freezer in separate vials and were revived at one month interval to check the growth pattern. Results: Both the cell lines could be revived with healthy cells and monolayer was formed within 7-10 days, after storage at -85ºC for 4 months. Conclusion: The present study highlights the utility of -85ºC deep freezer as an alternative to liquid N 2 for preservation of these cell lines at least up to four months.