Cell Line Contamination
Cultured stem cells are vulnerable to contamination by adventitious organisms, such as viruses and bacteria (such as Mycoplasma). Once cell lines are infected, they may undergo spontaneous differentiation or altered function due to adaptation, which may have a profound impact on experimental results. Stem cell laboratories are encouraged to monitor their stem cell cultures. TaqMan® probe-based real-time PCR assays provide a simple and highly sensitive method for detecting specific microorganisms in cell lysates. Compared to traditional methods, such as enzymatic activity or turbidity, TaqMan® Assays offer several advantages, including:
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The AuthentiFiler™ PCR Amplification Kit is an effective tool that uses short tandem repeats (STR) genetic loci to confirm the genetic identity of a human cell. As demonstrated by Cabera et. al as well as by other researchers in numerous other publications, STR loci can be an effective way to identify cross contamination events involving two or more human cell lines.
Mycoplasma Detection
From the leader in real-time PCR, the Applied Biosystems Myco Scan Kit uses real-time PCR to accurately detect Mycoplasma, the most common pathogen infecting high-value cell lines. Often referred to as the “stealth invader” or “silent killer”, Mycoplasma can destroy valuable cell lines and invalidate research results produced using infected cells. Mycoplasma screening is a critical component of the quality control procedures used to protect high-value cell lines such as stem cell lines.
Life Technologies is the leading provider of MycoSEQ Mycoplasma Detection Kits to pharmaceutical companies using cell lines for antibody production and is designed to meet the recommendations set by the European Pharmacopeia for Mycoplasma detection. Now, Myco Scan is available for researchers that want the same high quality results as MycoSEQ, but with a price tag and configuration tailored to research labs.
- Confidence—maintain mycoplasma-free cell lines with the sensitivity and specificity offered only by real-time PCR
- Speed—sample-to-answer in under five hours
- Coverage—detect more than 90 Mycoplasma species with a single assay
Step-by-Step Guide to Cell Line Contamination
Extract nucleic acid from your cells using the protocol of your choice.
PrepSEQ™ 1-2-3 Nucleic Acid Extraction Kit
PrepSEQ™ sample preparation magnetic beads isolate viral RNA from a wide range of sample types, combined with TaqMan®-based technology for sensitive and specific detection of the viral RNA. The kit also includes a proprietary positive control template that helps eliminate the possibility of false positive results arising from inadvertent contamination of test samples with the positive control.
For research use only. Not intended for any animal or human therapeutic or diagnostic use.
