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㎛ diameter and flexible cell membrane allow them to pass through commonly used anti-bacteriological filters with a diameter of 0.45㎛. 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™ PLUS uses a combination of antibiotics to effectively eliminate a variety of mycoplasma species as well as mycoplasma that is resistant to a majority of anti-mycoplasma agents. Each antibiotic removes mycoplasma by inhibiting protein synthesis through its own mechanism. These mechanisms act on mycoplasma and Gram (+) bacteria but do not act on eukaryotic cells. The cytotoxicity of Myco-Guard™ PLUS is very low. When used in cultured cells, cell growth may be slowed; however, after Myco-Guard™ PLUS is removed, the cell growth rate restores to normal.