What agent is used to reduce mycoplasma contamination?

The use of BM cycline, specifically a type of antibiotic known to effectively target mycoplasma without adversely affecting the eukaryotic cells, makes it the preferred choice for reducing mycoplasma contamination in cell cultures. Mycoplasmas are a group of bacteria that lack cell walls and can contaminate various types of cell lines, leading to altered cellular behaviors and experimental results. BM cycline is selective in its action and helps eliminate mycoplasma, allowing for the maintenance of healthy cell cultures.

Other antibiotics, while effective against a range of bacterial infections, may not exhibit the same specificity or may hinder the growth of the cultured cells themselves. For instance, penicillin and streptomycin can interfere more broadly with various bacteria and might not effectively target mycoplasma specifically. Tetracycline also acts on a wide range of bacteria but can have negative effects on eukaryotic cell lines due to its mode of action. Therefore, BM cycline provides a better solution for preventing mycoplasma contamination while maintaining the integrity of the cells being cultured.