Cell Culture Antibiotics

For researchers, two types of cell culture contamination require careful monitoring: the contamination of cell cultures with microbiological organisms and the contamination of one cell line with another. Both forms of contamination are extremely prevalent and cannot be underestimated. The decision to use antibiotics and antimycotics to prevent contamination should be based on the individual researcher’s needs and experience.

Invitrogen manufactures a wide array of antibiotics and antimycotics for contamination due to bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma, or yeast. While researchers may attempt to eliminate or control contaminations with antibiotics or antimycotics, it should be noted that these substances can be toxic to certain cell lines. Before using, it is essential to first perform a dose-response test to determine the level at which toxicity begins.