Pen-Strep

Pen-Strep is a commonly used antibiotic solution in cell culture, composed of penicillin and streptomycin. It is used to prevent bacterial contamination in cell cultures due to its effectiveness against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Composition

Pen-Strep is a combination of two antibiotics: penicillin and streptomycin. Penicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, while streptomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis in bacteria.

Usage in Cell Culture

In cell culture, Pen-Strep is used to prevent bacterial contamination. It is typically added to the culture medium at a concentration of 1% (v/v). However, the exact concentration can vary depending on the specific requirements of the cell line being cultured.

Side Effects

While Pen-Strep is generally safe for use in cell culture, it can have some side effects. These include potential toxicity to the cells and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, it is recommended to use Pen-Strep sparingly and only when necessary.

Alternatives

Alternatives to Pen-Strep for preventing bacterial contamination in cell culture include other antibiotics such as gentamicin, amphotericin B, and tetracycline, as well as non-antibiotic solutions such as antimycotic agents.

See Also

• Cell Culture
• Antibiotics
• Bacterial Contamination

Pen-Strep Resources
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