Introduction
R&D Systems' new MycoProbe® Mycoplasma Detection Kit (Catalog # CUL001B) represents a major breakthrough for high-throughput, routine screening of cell cultures for mycoplasma contamination. Mycoplasma contamination is one of the most common and serious problems in culturing eukaryotic cells because it alters the phenotypic characteristics of the cells and can negatively impact results. Since mycoplasma is typically not visible and does not respond to antibiotics, an alternative sensitive and reliable detection method is required. This assay is capable of detecting the eight mycoplasma species known to cause 95% of eukaryotic cell culture contamination.
| CFU* | MycoProbe® Mycoplasma Detection Kit |
PCR |
| 15,000 | + | + |
| 1,500 | + | + |
| 150 | + | + |
| 15 | + | + |
| Table 1. Comparison of R&D Systems MycoProbe® Mycoplasma Detection Assay (Catalog # CUL001B), with a commercially available PCR-based mycoplasma detection kit. Serial dilutions of M.arginini were produced in lysis buffer. *CFU = Colony Forming Units per well or PCR reaction |
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Assay Features
- High-throughput screening (microplate-based) assay
- No false positives from amplicon contamination
- High sensitivity (comparable to PCR) (Table 1)
- Culturing in antibiotic-free media is not required
- Cell pellet or supernate sample may be used from fresh or frozen
- Rapid results in 4.5 hours
- Reagents sufficient for 96 tests
Kit Contents
- Each MycoProbe® Mycoplasma Detection Kit contains all of the necessary components for a ready-to-run assay and requires no additional development.
- Cell Lysis Buffer
- Hybridization Plate
- Streptavidin Capture Plate
- Diluents
- Substrate
- Conjugate
- Pan-Specific Oligonucleotide Probes
- Synthetic DNA Oligonucleotide Positive Control
- Protocol Manual
Mycoplasmas Detected
- M. hyorhinis
- M. arginini
- M. fermentans
- M. orale
- M. pirum
- M. hominis
- M. salivarium
- A. laidlawii