Virus preservation solutions are generally classified into inactivated and non – inactivated types. The components of different types of virus preservation solutions vary. The following are the main components:

Inactivated Virus Preservation Solution

• Guanidine Salts
  Such as guanidine isothiocyanate and guanidine hydrochloride, are key components of inactivated virus preservation solutions. They have a strong protein – denaturing effect, which can rapidly denature viral proteins, thus destroying the structure and function of the virus, making it lose its infectivity. At the same time, they can effectively inhibit nucleases and protect viral nucleic acids from degradation.
• Buffers
  Common ones include Tris – HCl and phosphate – buffered saline (PBS). Their main function is to maintain the stability of the pH value of the preservation solution, providing a stable chemical environment for viral nucleic acids and preventing nucleic acid degradation or structural changes due to pH fluctuations.
• Chelating Agents
  Such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), can bind to metal ions, removing metal ions such as calcium ions and magnesium ions from the sample. These metal ions may activate nucleases or participate in certain biological processes of the virus. The presence of chelating agents can effectively inhibit nuclease activity and further protect viral nucleic acids.
• Surfactants
  For example, Triton X – 100 and NP – 40, etc., have the function of dissolving cell membranes and viral envelopes, releasing viral nucleic acids, facilitating subsequent nucleic acid extraction operations, and also helping to enhance the inactivating effect of the preservation solution on the virus.

Non – inactivated Virus Preservation Solution

• Basal Medium
  Cell culture media such as MEM and DMEM are usually used, providing essential nutrients for the virus, such as amino acids, vitamins, sugars, and inorganic salts, to maintain the survival and metabolism of the virus in vitro and ensure the activity of the virus.
• Serum or Serum Substitutes
  Serum contains a variety of growth factors, hormones, and proteins, etc., which can provide more comprehensive nutritional support for the virus, promoting the growth and reproduction of the virus. Some non – inactivated virus preservation solutions use serum substitutes to reduce the batch – to – batch variation and potential pathogen contamination risks that serum may bring.
• Antibiotics
  To prevent the contamination of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms in the sample, which may affect the activity of the virus and the results of subsequent experiments, antibiotics such as penicillin, streptomycin, and amphotericin B are often added to inhibit the growth of miscellaneous bacteria.
• Special Additives
  According to the characteristics of different viruses and experimental requirements, some special components may be added, such as mannitol and sorbitol for maintaining osmotic balance, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) that helps to stabilize the viral envelope.