Application Note: Minimize the Risk of Mycoplasma Contamination in Your Cell Cultures
Mycoplasma is an unwelcome guest in any cell culture laboratory – and keeping it out can be a significant challenge. Because these unruly organisms can alter experiment results and pose potential safety risks, it is important to do whatever possible to prevent mycoplasma contamination. Fortunately, the risk of contamination can be reduced with good cell culture practices, the use of easy-to-clean pipettes and pipette accessories, and regular testing.
Commonly Asked Questions
- What are mycoplasma? - Mycoplasma are genus of bacteria lacking cell walls. The absence of cell walls allow the bacteria to take on different shapes and infiltrate healthy samples.
- Why are mycoplasma so problematic? - Mycoplasma are resistant to antibiotics, making them difficult to eliminate once contamination has occurred. Their small size allows them to penetrate sterilizing-grade filters, and can be difficult to spot within cell cultures.
- How do mycoplasma affect cell cultures? Mycoplasma inhibit protein biosynthesis and cell growth and can alter RNA and DNA synthesis. Because of this, they can greatly affect research results in cell culture laboratories.
- How are mycoplasma detected in the lab? Confirming mycoplasma contamination is accomplished through routine testing using a variety of techniques, including DNA staining, PCR and enzymatic procedures.
Research indicates roughly 80% of laboratory personnel are mycoplasma carriers, making contamination prevention a high priority in cell culture labs. Learn about the best ways to prevent mycoplasma contamination by downloading this application note. As is true in most cases, prevention of mycoplasma contamination is far favorable to treatment.