GIBCO™ MycoTect™ Kit from Invitrogen

Description

MycoTect™ Kit detects all major species of mycoplasma, including M. hyorhinis, accurately and economically. The assay can be done in the laboratory, with results in 4 to 5 days. MycoTect™ Kit works without special equipment; little hands-on time is required. The MycoTect™ Kit is used for detection of mycoplasma infections in cell cultures. Mycoplasmas contain significant amounts of adenosine phosphorylase, an enzyme found in only small amounts in mammalian cells. Adenosine phosphorylase converts 6-methylpurine deoxyriboside (6-MPDR), a nontoxic analog of adenosine, into two products, 6-methylpurine and 6-methylpurine riboside, both of which are toxic to mammalian cells. A mycoplasma-infected culture can be detected by incubation with 6-MPDR and subsequent monitoring for mammalian cell toxicity. If mycoplasma is present, adenosine phosphorylase converts the 6-MPDR into toxic products, resulting in rapid cell death. The enzyme positive control, adenosine phosphorylase, indicates that the assay is working correctly without the risk of using viable mycoplasma.