What to do when encountering fungal contamination in cell culture (how to prevent fungal contamination)
Fungal contamination is also the most common type of contamination in cell culture processes. Fungal contamination generally has a significant impact on the surrounding local cells, while cells in other areas grow normally. In addition, since fungi can reproduce through spores, once contaminated, it is easy to spread.
▶ The main types of fungal contamination include Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma, Candida albicans, and yeast contamination (as shown in the figure). Their characteristics are as follows:
① Generally speaking, the culture medium will not become turbid;
② It is relatively easy to detect that visible spot colonies (light yellow or white) float on the surface of the culture medium with the naked eye;
③ Under a regular inverted microscope, it can be observed that flocculent and interlaced hyphae or bacterial clusters grow between cells; Sometimes fungi are not directly distributed in the cell wall layer, and it is necessary to carefully observe and search for hyphae or fungal clusters by adjusting the microscope.
▶ How to prevent fungal contamination
✔ Fungi spread through spores. If there are fungal colonies or white filamentous colonies in the incubator, be sure to slowly wipe them with paper moistened with 75% alcohol and wrap them away. Avoid spore scattering and secondary pollution.
✔ After fungal contamination of cells, it is necessary to use a pipette to remove the fungal colonies before cleaning and treatment.
✔ Cells contaminated with fungi are collected and disinfected separately during cleaning, liquid exchange, and other operations to avoid cross contamination.
▶ Recommended mold remover products
EZ Mold Rid is a common additive used in cell culture to prevent mold contamination in small or large-scale cell cultures. By disrupting the ion exchange channels of the cell membrane, damaging membrane permeability, and killing different forms of mold, it also has a strong inhibitory effect on common fungal contamination in cell culture, such as Candida and yeast.
[Brand] Li Ji Biology
[Name] EZ Mold Rid
[Product Code] AC16L181
[Specification] 500 μ L
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