Mycoplasma Detection, Prevention, and Removal - All in One Step!
Mycoplasma
Mycoplasma, also known as mycoplasm, is the smallest and simplest prokaryote discovered to date, with a diameter of 0.1 to 0.3 μm. It can pass through filters and exhibits high pleomorphism, appearing in various shapes such as spherical, rod-shaped, filamentous, and branched. In laboratories and biopharmaceutical production, cell cultures are prone to mycoplasma contamination. According to literature, the incidence of mycoplasma contamination in stored cell lines is approximately 15%-35%, and in the biopharmaceutical industry, it ranges from 0.44%-6.70% [1].
Figure 1: Morphology of Mycoplasma
Impact of Mycoplasma Contamination
Bacterial and fungal contamination are relatively easy to detect, prevent, and remove, but mycoplasma contamination is difficult to notice. Even at growth densities as high as 10^7-10^9 CFU/ml, there may be no obvious signs of contamination (such as turbidity or pH changes). Mycoplasma contamination can lead to various changes in cells (see Figure 2).
Figure 2: Changes in Cell States After Mycoplasma Contamination
Application Scenarios for Mycoplasma Detection
Typical Sources of Mycoplasma Contamination
- Cross-contamination between cells;
- Contamination of the working environment or experimental equipment;
- Poor aseptic technique by the experimenter;
- Contamination of culture media or other reagents;
- Contamination of the original tissue or organ used for cell preparation.
What to Do When Cell Cultures Encounter Mycoplasma Contamination
Figure 3: Total Solution for Mycoplasma Contamination
Three-in-One Solution to Mycoplasma Contamination in Cells
1. Mycoplasma Detection
One-Step Isothermal Mycoplasma Detection:
Yeasen’s one-step isothermal mycoplasma detection reagent uses unique isothermal amplification technology, offering stronger color discrimination—from blue-purple (negative) to sky blue (positive)—making it easier for visual identification. It includes anti-contamination components to eliminate false positives.
Figure 4: Operation Process of One-Step Mycoplasma Detection
PCR-Based Mycoplasma Detection:
Yeasen’s PCR mycoplasma detection method differs from conventional one-step PCR by using three pairs of primers instead of one, targeting the 16S and 23S conserved regions of mycoplasma for nested PCR amplification. This significantly improves sensitivity while reducing non-specificity, detecting as low as a single copy of mycoplasma.
Figure 5: Gel Electrophoresis Image of PCR Amplification of Samples with Different Mycoplasma Concentrations
Figure 6: Gel Electrophoresis Image of PCR Amplification of Samples with Different Mycoplasma Concentrations
Table 1: Types of Mycoplasma Detectable by Yeasen’s One-Step Isothermal Mycoplasma Detection Reagent
Note: The blue section indicates mycoplasma types detectable by both one-step isothermal detection and PCR methods.
2. MycAway Mycoplasma Elimination Reagent (1000×)
MycAway Mycoplasma Elimination Reagent (1000×) is a mixed formulation that effectively eliminates mycoplasma by inhibiting DNA and essential protein synthesis required for mycoplasma growth, without harming the cells. It maximally salvages your cells and reduces losses due to mycoplasma contamination.
Figure 7: Demonstration of Cell Elimination Effect
Features of Mycoplasma Elimination Reagent:
- Low Toxicity: Minimal cytotoxicity, does not affect subsequent cell experiments such as cell viability testing and transfection;
- High Stability: Can be stored at -20°C for extended periods while maintaining efficacy;
- Easy to Use: Simply add the product to the mycoplasma-contaminated culture medium and incubate;
- Fast-Acting: Visible results in as little as 3 days;
- Broad Spectrum: Effective against most laboratory mycoplasma types.
Figure 8: Cytotoxicity Test Diagram of Mycoplasma Elimination Reagent
3. Mycoplasma Prevention
Product Information
|
category |
Product Name |
Cat No. |
Specifications |
|
Detection |
40612ES25/60 |
25/100 T |
|
|
MycAway™ Mycoplasma Real-time qPCR Detection Kit Hot |
40618ES25/60 |
25/100 T |
|
|
40601ES10/20 |
10/20 assays |
||
|
Removal |
MycAway™ Spray (Ready-to-use) |
40605ES02/03 |
1/2×500 mL |
|
40607ES03/08 |
1/5×1 mL |
||
|
Prevention |
40608ES03/08 |
1/5×1 mL |
|
|
40609ES60 |
100 mL |
||
|
40610ES60 |
100 mL |