Which condition is essential for maintaining the quality of dried biological items over time?

Maintaining the quality of dried biological items over time is critically dependent on temperature control. Temperature-controlled environments help prevent the degradation of biological materials by avoiding extreme conditions that can lead to degradation, contamination, or loss of structural integrity.

Dried biological items, such as blood or tissue samples, benefit from being stored at regulated temperatures to minimize the risk of chemical reactions and microbial growth, both of which can compromise the sample's integrity. Conditions that are too hot can cause degradation, while too cold may not be suitable for certain types of biological materials.

While freezing and refrigeration are specific forms of temperature control, they are not universal for all dried biological samples, as some may not require such extreme measures for preservation. Additionally, exposing biological materials to air can introduce moisture and contaminants, which could deteriorate the quality over time. Thus, a temperature-controlled environment is essential for long-term preservation and maintaining the integrity of dried biological items.