The mycoplasmas are characterized by their lack of a rigid cell wall. Mycoplasmas are considered to be the smallest self-replicating organisms. Their small 0.3-0.8 um diameter and flexible cell membrane allow them to pass through commonly used anti-bacteriological filters with a diameter of 0.45 um. Because of these distinct biological features, mycoplasma-contaminated cultures and infected cells cannot be eliminated with common antibiotics.

According to academic reports, about 80% of all cultured cell lines are infected with mycoplasma. Mycoplasma contaminations have a significant impact on research results and product quality at research facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and biological product plants.
Unlike other microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi, the effect of mycoplasma on cell growth may not be detectable by the naked eye. However, mycoplasma contamination affects DNA and RNA protein synthesis in cells and results in the transformation of chromosomes and plasma membrane antigens.

Myco-Guard™ is an effective product specialized for mycoplasma decontamination. This product is a combination of antibiotics that removes mycoplasma through the components’ various mechanisms of action. The mixed antibiotics inhibit transcription on the ribosome during protein synthesis and inhibit the DNA replication process. These antibiotics affect mycoplasma and bacterial species only, and they do not affect eukaryotic cells such as mammalian cells.