ABOUT MYCOPLASMA CONTAMINATION
Mycoplasma are prokaryotic microorganisms that are between 0.3-0.8 um in diameter and lack a true cell wall. Conventional methods to avoid contamination such as the use of filters and traditional antibiotics, are not entirely effective in keeping mycoplasma out of cell cultures1. Mycoplasma contamination can affect cell cultures through altered protein, RNA, DNA, synthesis, altered cellular metabolism, induced chromosomal aberrations, affected cell membrane composition, interference in biological assays and changes in cell morphology and viability2. Regular testing is recommended to assure that cell lines are free from contamination. Learn more about Mycoplasma Detection by PCR offered by WiCell.
Mycoplasma Detection by PCR
WiCell offers detection of mycoplasma contamination using the EZ-PCR process Mycoplasma Test Kit. This kit consists of a primer set that amplifies the conserved and mycoplasma-specific 16S rRNA gene region1. This test detects 96 species of mycoplasma contamination, including the 6 species that are responsible for 95% of cell culture contamination2. The evidence of 96 mycoplasma species are visualized as an amplified fragment by agarose gel electrophoresis. Please visit Captivate Bio for more information on the EZ-PCR Mycoplasma Test Kit.
WiCell strongly recommends cessation of all antibiotic treatment of cell cultures for at least 2 weeks prior to submission for mycoplasma testing. Antibiotic treatment could affect the ability of the assay to detect low-level mycoplasma infection.
What It Detects:
- 96 species of mycoplasma contamination from stem cell cultures.
- Sensitivity (5-100 CFU/ml)
What It Doesn’t Detect:
- This system does not allow the amplification of DNA originating from other sources, such as bacteria.
When To Use:
- To monitor the health of your cell line
- To monitor for contamination in shared lab spaces
- To assure that mycoplasma is not interfering with your experiments
- To rule out mycoplasma as the culprit of chromosomal aberrations
Interpreting Your Mycoplasma Results:
When your mycoplasma testing is complete you will be provided with a Mycoplasma Assay Report. Please see our sample Mycoplasma Assay Report for to help interpret your results.
REFERENCES:
- EZ-PCR™ Mycoplasma Detection Kit product information
- Kazemiha, V. M., Amanzadeh, A., Memarnejadian, A., Azari, S., Shokrgozar, M. A., Mahdian, R., & Bonakdar, S. (2014). Sensitivity of biochemical test in comparison with other methods for the detection of mycoplasma contamination in human and animal cell lines stored in the National Cell Bank of Iran. Cytotechnology, 66(5), 861-873.