Sartorius Microsart AMP Mycoplasma Kit

Mycoplasma are among the smallest bacteria capable of independent reproduction. They have a slow and parasitic growth and cause many infections in animals and plants. They are also difficult to control, as they lack the bacterial cell wall which is the main point of attack for many antibiotics. For this reason, a complete retention with conventional cell structure sterile filters (0.2 μm pore size) is not possible.

There are many methods for the identification of a mycoplasma contamination. Growth-based methods are very common, but require a cultivation time of at least 28 days before a contamination with these slow-growing bacteria can be ruled out with certainty. During this period, the sample must be visually inspected on a daily basis. Even with the aid of fluorescence detection it takes at least eight days before a mycoplasma infection can be ruled out. In addition, the user needs a trained eye, a lot of experience and specific know-how for the interpretation of the results.

PCR-based detection kits such as the Microsart AMP Mycoplasma Kit offer users a sensitive and robust detection within only 3 h. The method is said to be simple and the kit is supplied ready for use. All that is needed on top is a Realtime Thermocycler that is capable of detecting the fluorescent dyes FAM and ROX. The PCR kit is suitable for a wide variety of initial matrices. In combination with a Vivaspin 20 or Vivaspin 6 ultrafiltration unit, a volume of up to 18 mL can be processed, which ensures an increase in sensitivity.