The viability and thermal stability of a freeze-dried yeast strain were studied in relation to some physical properties of the matrices in which the cells were freeze-dried. Samples of inoculum with solutions of the matrix components [polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), maltose, trehalose, maltodextrins, or mixtures of maltodextrin and trehalose] and controls without matrices were freeze-dried and then equilibrated at several relative humidities. Viability was determined before and after freeze-drying and after heat treatment (100 min at 70 degrees C). Freeze-drying with trehalose, PVP, maltose or 1.8-kDa maltodextrin, and mixtures of maltodextrin/trehalose increased viability in comparison with controls. The 3.6-kDa maltodextrin was ineffective at protecting the cells during freeze-drying. The glass transition temperature (Tg), which depends on moisture content, was indicated as a possible factor to determine the stability of labile materials. Protective effects of the excipients during thermal treatment were analysed in relation to the physical changes (collapse or structural shrinkage) which were dependent on the Tg of the systems. The presence of a certain amount of amorphous disaccharides during freeze-drying and heating was found to be a critical factor for ensuring cell viability, which was protected even in rubbery (above Tg) matrices.