Microbes have existed on Earth for billions of years, but it wasn’t until the late 17th century when Antoine Van Leeuwenhoek peered into his microscope that humankind experienced the first glimpse into this unseen world and the field of microbiology was born. The study of microorganisms has since grown over the centuries, fostering incredible discoveries that have led to breakthroughs in medicine, industrial biology, agricultural research, food production, and sanitation. Without these essential microscopic organisms, life as we know it wouldn’t exist.
At ATCC, we have reverence for microbial life and understand the value of these organisms to the research community. That’s why for nearly a century, ATCC has been a leading innovator in microbial scientific discovery and a trusted resource of microbiological materials. Our mission at ATCC is to acquire, authenticate, preserve, develop, and distribute biological materials, information, technology, intellectual property, and standards for the advancement and application of scientific knowledge. As the premier source for microbial reference materials for the scientific research community, we place the highest standards on producing quality materials you can depend on for reproducible results.
Trust ATCC to supply the quality tools you need to produce quality results. Explore our collection of bacteria, archaea, viruses, yeast, fungi, protozoa, algae, nucleic acids, and molecular tools today.
Streamline microbial QC testing with MicroQuant™
MicroQuant™ is ATCC's new product line of precisely quantitated microbial reference materials used to streamline microbial quality control testing. We developed an innovative cryopreservation technology to provide our best-in-class microbial controls in the form of stable, rapidly rehydrating pellets that deliver consistent quantitation and accurate, reproducible results—addressing the key challenges faced by microbial testing laboratories.
Explore MicroQuant™ strainsMicrobes—tools for your research
Microbes for incredible results
As researchers, not only do we know how valuable microorganisms are to human health and disease, but for finding solutions to numerous problems. That’s why ATCC scientists have collected, authenticated, and preserved microorganisms for nearly a century to ensure that researchers have access to the strains needed to develop vaccines and therapeutics, clean up oil spills, ensure healthier food and water, and develop products to protect our health and well-being.
Find microbes by applicationCollections and projects
ATCC is the premier source for microbial reference strains. 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 strains. Our rich portfolio of high-quality materials will move your research forward.
DIG INTO COLLECTIONS and PROJECTSTrusted microbial materials
Bacteriology and Archaea
An expansive collection of clinically and environmentally sourced isolates, including drug-resistant strains and extremophiles!
Mycology
A diverse assortment of filamentous fungi and yeasts with applications in genetic research, quality control, and medicine.
Protistology
Explore our collection of taxonomically diverse living stock protists and parasitic protozoa.
Virology
Animal and plant viruses that support epidemiology and the development of diagnostic assays, antiviral therapies, and vaccines.
