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Mycoplasma Testing for Cell Culture
Reliable PCR-based detection of mycoplasma contamination in cell cultures. Microsynth offers mycoplasma testing services using PCR-based detection for reliable identification of contamination in cell cultures. Microsynth provides sensitive and standardized testing workflows for routine quality control, ensuring reproducibility and contamination-free cell culture experiments.
Why Mycoplasma Testing Matters
Mycoplasma contamination is one of the most common and critical issues in cell culture.
It often remains undetected while significantly affecting:
- Cell growth and metabolism
- Gene expression and experimental outcomes
- Reproducibility of research results
Regular testing is essential to ensure reliable and contamination-free cell cultures.
Why Choose Microsynth?
- Highly sensitive detection – PCR-based methods for reliable identification of mycoplasma contamination
- Fast turnaround – results typically within a few working days
- Validated workflows – robust and standardized testing procedures
- Easy sample handling – simple submission of cell culture supernatant
- Expert support – guidance on contamination control and prevention
Applications
- Routine screening of cell cultures
- Quality control of cell lines
- Monitoring of bioproduction processes
- Validation for publication requirements
- Contamination control in research and biotech workflows
What is Mycoplasma Testing?
Mycoplasma testing detects contamination of cell cultures by mycoplasma species using sensitive molecular methods such as PCR.
These microorganisms are difficult to detect by visual inspection and can significantly alter experimental results without obvious signs of contamination.
Service Overview
Microsynth performs complete mycoplasma testing workflows:
- Sample processing and DNA extraction
- PCR-based detection of mycoplasma species
- Analysis and validation of results
- Delivery of a clear and reliable test report
Detection Method
Mycoplasma detection is based on a sensitive qPCR assay targeting conserved genomic regions of mycoplasma species.
The assay enables:
- Detection of a broad range of mycoplasma species
- High sensitivity and specificity
- Reliable identification of contamination in cell cultures
The assay covers the most relevant mycoplasma species commonly associated with cell culture contamination.
Output & Reporting
You receive a clear and easy-to-interpret report including:
- Positive / negative result for mycoplasma contamination
- Detection of PCR inhibition (internal control)
- Method description
- Report suitable for documentation and publication
Results are suitable for documentation and quality control workflows.
Sample Requirements
- Cell culture supernatant (typically 100–200 µl)
- Alternatively: cell pellets or DNA samples
- Samples can be shipped under standard conditions
- Cultivate cells for a minimum of three days (72 h) without modifying the medium before collecting the supernatant for mycoplasma testing.
- Collect 1000 μl of the cell-free supernatant in a screw cap tube or similar container that provides a tight seal during heat inactivation.
- Centrifuge the sample at 750 x g for 2 minutes to pellet remaining cells and cellular debris.
- Transfer 150 µl of the supernatant to a new 1.5 or 2 ml flip-cap tube.
- Heat Inactivation: Incubate the tube containing the supernatant at 95°C for 10 minutes.
- Label the tube with a short, legible, and unique sample name on the tube wall.
How to Order
1. How to order labels (prepaid or non-prepaid):
- Enter our webshop
- Click on "Tubes" under Mycoplasma Testing for Cell Culture and follow the further instructions
2. How to register your samples (prepaid or non-prepaid):
- For new customers, please register at our webshop
- Click on Genetic Analysis in the green "Analysis Services" area
- Click on Tubes under Mycoplasma Testing for Cell Culture and follow the further instructions.
- Microsynth will confirm the receipt of your samples and ship back the analysis results within one week