2.6. Flask bioleaching tests
Prior to bioleaching activity tests, revived cells from all preservation methods were inoculated (10% v/v) into 50 mL Falcon
tubes containing 9 mL of appropriately MBSM and incubated at their growth temperature (Table 1) for 2 weeks.
This was to negate any lingering effect of protective agents and preservation on cell activity and to ensure cell concentrations were above 1 108 cells mL1.