Cell culture contamination: sources, consequences, prevention, and elimination

The subject of the chapter is cell culture contamination. Contamination may enter the cell culture system as a physical, chemical, and/or biological component of the environment. The potential sources and consequences of cell culture contamination are unique to the cell culture system and the contaminant. A basic understanding of cell culture contamination is necessary to appreciate the need to develop and practice standardized cell culture procedures. General sources, consequences, and preventative measures are discussed for physical and chemical contamination based on current technology. Mycoplasmal contamination is the focus of the discussion on biological contamination and its impact on cell cultures. The introduction of other biological contaminants should be controlled by the institution of cell culture management procedures needed to minimize the incidence of mycoplasmal contamination. The need to eliminate the routine use of antibiotics in cell culture systems and institute routine testing to detect contamination is emphasized. More rapid detection of contamination should reduce the incidence of cross-contamination and minimize the consequences of any contamination event.