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How Mycoplasma Contamination Can Derail Your Research

Mycoplasma figure

Mycoplasma is a hidden threat to research, disrupting inflammation pathways and impairing cell metabolism, growth, and gene expression. These effects can lead to unreliable data, missed deadlines, and increased costs. Our Technical Note explains how mycoplasma affects the cells and various detection methods. Click now to protect your research from unseen threats.

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Overcoming Mycoplasma Contamination: Detection, Prevention, and Removal

Mycoplasma contamination poses a significant challenge across cell culture, bioproduction, and clinical research, often leading to inaccurate results and compromised integrity. These antibiotic-resistant pathogens often evade detection, disrupting vital processes and skewing experimental outcomes. A robust strategy that integrates prevention, timely detection, and effective removal is essential for maintaining high research standards.

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Mycoplasma Prevention: The First Step in Effective Mycoplasma Management

Effective mycoplasma management begins with prevention. Adhering to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), including mycoplasma-specific training, awareness, and rigorous cleaning & disinfecting protocols, can significantly reduce risk to your research. Incorporate MP Biomedicals' Mycoplasma Removal Agent (MRA) in your cultures and processes as a preventive measure — this proactive approach helps safeguard your research, resources, and reputation.

Category Target Use Site Suggested Frequency Product Name
Antibiotics Mycoplasma Supplement cell culture media as antibiotic at 0.1 µg/mL During cell culture maintenance and expansion Mycoplasma Removal Agent (MRA)
Disinfectants Mycoplasma, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and molds PCR stations, benches, mycoplasma detection work area and tools Before myco-detection assays and as needed Myco-Out Mycoplasma Removal Spray
Tissue culture hoods, centrifuges, pipettes, tube holders, refrigerators, benches Weekly to monthly LabCare Cell Culture Room Antimicrobial Spray
Incubators Weekly LabCare Incubator Antimicrobial Spray
Stainless steel, glass, PTFE and other plastics, porcelain, ceramic Constantly, to support aseptic techniques Ethyl Alcohol, 140 Proof (70%)
Mycoplasma, bacteria, fungi, and algae Water baths Every 2 weeks LabCare Water Bath Disinfectant Solution
Incubator water pans Every 1–3 months LabCare Incubator Water Disinfectant Solution
Detergents Mycoplasma and other bacterial particles, bioaccumulation, soil, proteins, oils, lipids, blood, tissue, pigments, fermentation residues, gels, starches Stainless steel, glass, PTFE and other plastics, porcelain, ceramic As needed and through routine cleaning 7X® Cleaning Solution
ES-7X Cleaning Solution
7X-O-Matic Cleaning Solution
ES-7X-O-Matic Cleaning Solution

Mycoplasma Detection: Verify Your Contamination Prevention

Routine mycoplasma testing is crucial for validating your prevention strategy. Our PCR, LAMP, and enzymatic test kits offer rapid, highly sensitive detection suitable for routine monitoring in bioprocessing and mammalian cultures. Combining these methods reduces the risk of false results, providing the most dependable outcomes.

  qPCR Kit PCR Kit Rapid Test Kit LAMP Kit
Product Myco-Visible Mycoplasma
qPCR Detection Kit
Myco-Visible Mycoplasma
PCR Detection Kit
Myco-Visible Mycoplasma
Rapid Test Kit
Myco-Visible Mycoplasma
LAMP Detection Kit
Key Features EP/JP/USP compliant
High specificity
High sensitivity
High sensitivity
High specificity
Rapid PCR-based detection
Low detection limit
High sensitivity
Rapid detection
Visual confirmation
No plate reader or
thermal cycler needed
Cat No. 0930515-CF 0930514-CF 0930509-CF 093050601
Method qPCR PCR LAMP + Lateral Flow LAMP
Controls Positive, Negative,
Internal
Positive, Negative,
Internal
Positive, Negative Positive, Negative
Species Detected >140 >200 >100 90
Limit of Detection 10 CFU/mL
10 fg gDNA
10 CFU/mL
10 fg gDNA
10 CFU/mL
10 fg gDNA
10 CFU/mL
10 fg gDNA
Regulatory Compliance Available upon request Meets regulatory framework N/A N/A
Time to Results 2.5 hours ~3 hours ~45 min ~60 min
Instrument qPCR Machine
Heat Block
Thermal Cycler
Heat Block
Electrophoresis System
Microcentrifuge
Heat Block
Heat Block
Result Indicator Ct value Gel Bands Lateral Flow Band Solution Color Change

Mycoplasma Removal: Act Quickly to Restore Cell Culture Integrity

When mycoplasma invades, prompt action is essential. MP Biomedicals' Mycoplasma Removal Agent (MRA) offers an advanced solution. As a quinolone antibiotic derivative, MRA specifically targets and inhibits mycoplasma DNA gyrase, removing multiple mycoplasma species within a week. With low cytotoxicity, proven efficacy at 0.5 µg/mL, and recognition in over 550 scientific studies, MRA ensures the accuracy and integrity of your research.

MRA Treatment

Mycoplasma Removal Agent: Restore Your Cultures and Eliminate Contamination

  • Eliminates multiple mycoplasma species within a week
  • Recognition in 550+ scientific publications
  • Effective treatment at just 0.5 μg/mL
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Resources

Complete Solution

Mycoplasma Complete Solution

A comprehensive, all-in-one solution for reliable mycoplasma detection and control. Combines Myco qPCR and Myco LAMP for fast, sensitive, and accurate results.

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Contamination Control

Comprehensive Mycoplasma Contamination Control

Mycoplasma can silently compromise your research. Learn how to prevent, detect, and remove contamination while staying compliant with regulatory standards.

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Impact on Research

Mycoplasma Contamination: The Impact on Cell-Based Research

Even the most controlled experiments can be compromised by mycoplasma. See how it influences cell-based research and why routine monitoring is critical.

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Prevention Strategies

Strategies for Preventing Mycoplasma Contamination in Cell Cultures

Controlling mycoplasma starts with robust prevention. Learn how aseptic techniques, validated disinfectants, and quarantine protocols keep cultures clean.

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Detection Guide

Comprehensive Guide to Mycoplasma Detection in Cell Cultures

From culture-based tests to PCR and enzymatic assays, discover the pros and cons of each detection method and how to implement them in your lab.

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Removal Guide

Mycoplasma Removal from Contaminated Cell Culture, Tissues, or Products

Contamination doesn't have to mean starting over. Explore scientifically backed strategies to eliminate mycoplasma from contaminated cultures.

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Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory Compliance in Mycoplasma Management

Regulatory agencies demand strict mycoplasma testing and control to ensure product safety. Discover key compliance requirements and best practices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A: Mycoplasma are a group of gram-negative bacteria that lack a cell wall, making them resistant to many common antibiotics. They can contaminate cell cultures, leading to altered cell metabolism, gene expression, and even cell death. Contaminated cultures produce unreliable experimental data, making mycoplasma a significant concern in research and bioproduction.
A: Mycoplasma contamination is often asymptomatic, meaning your cells may look healthy despite being contaminated. Testing is the only reliable method to detect mycoplasma. Please refer to the table above to find the detection kit best suited to your requirements.
A: Common sources include cross-contamination from infected cell lines, contaminated reagents, lab personnel, and aerosolized particles. To minimize risk, maintain good laboratory practices, regularly test cultures, and use products like Myco-Out Mycoplasma Removal Spray or LabCare series to disinfect the workspace.
A: Yes. MP Biomedicals' Mycoplasma Removal Agent can help eliminate mycoplasma while preserving cell viability. Regular monitoring is essential to ensure contamination does not recur.
A: MP Biomedicals' Mycoplasma Removal Agent is specifically formulated for mycoplasma, ensuring high efficacy with minimal toxicity to your cultures. Unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics, it targets mycoplasma without affecting your cells' growth and function, making it suitable for both eliminating existing contamination and helping prevent future contamination during long-term cell culture maintenance.
A: It’s recommended to test all cultures at least once a month, or more frequently if you suspect contamination. MP Biomedicals' Mycoplasma Rapid Detection Kit is suitable for quick, fast detection when you need a simple check, while PCR-based kits can be used when more comprehensive molecular detection is required.
A: Use LabCare Water Bath Disinfectant Solution or LabCare Incubator Water Disinfectant Solution to effectively eliminate mycoplasma from water baths and incubators. These solutions are designed to be safe for equipment while providing long-lasting antimicrobial protection.
A: Yes, Mycoplasma Removal Agent can be used alongside other antibiotics if needed. However, it is specifically designed to target mycoplasma, so additional antibiotics may not be necessary unless other bacterial contaminants are present.

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