| abstract |
The invention provides compositions and methods for preserving a biological material—such as a protein, a nucleic acid or a biological sample, or any combination thereof—in a substantially water-free, nonionic or ionic organic solvent. Improved preservation, including for example the stability and/or the solubility of the biological material in the substantially water-free fluid medium, is achieved with compositions comprising one or more substances (e.g., an antioxidant) described in the disclosure, and/or a metal salt. The biological material is soluble and stable, and retains its function and activity, when it is preserved in the substantially water-free fluid medium at ambient temperature or higher for extended periods of time. Therefore, the composition comprising the biological material does not need to be refrigerated or frozen during shipping or storage. |