After the discovery of life and biosphere in subseafloor environment, the study of biomass, activity and function of subseafloor life and its ecological roles in biogeochemical cycles has become one of the major scientific objectives in the IODP. In addition to this, biochemical analytical techniques based on DNA are rapidly developing. Therefore, one of the IODP committees recommended routine sampling and storage of core samples in very low temperature condition for geomicrobiology. These sub-samples of cores are called “Routine Microbiological Sample (RMS)”, and are being curated in the KCC since 2009.

Storage of the RMS under deep frozen condition is very important for preventing degradation of fragile bio-molecules such as DNA, RNA, enzymes, sugar chains, and intact polar lipids caused by abiotic hydrolysis, enzymatic reaction, and possible contamination. Moreover, aseptic sub-sampling and distribution of the RMS without thawing are highly desired for quality assurance of the samples.

KCC is equipped with apparatuses such as deep freezers (-80˚C) and liquid nitrogen (LN) -cooled tanks (-160˚C) for long-term storage, and an aseptic band saw system for "clean" processing of the frozen RMS. Using these devices, aliquots of the RMS can be distributed to science community worldwide in accordance with the IODP policy. We hope the RMS will contribute significantly to the future geobiological research of subseafloor life and the least understood biosphere on Earth!