I have experienced this problem previously with a commercial cell line, however in this case, a well established immortalized cell line when cultured from frozen stock has cell populations that have a bright border around them. This has never been the issue with this particular immortalized cell line. I am wondering if there could be possible mycoplasma contamination. Any comments on this are highly appreciated. Thanks!
Do you have an image? have there been changes in brand of culture dishes, medium components, coating solutions?
Hi Gayathri,
Well, if you have doubt. I would suggest to check the mycoplasma contamination so you will be at good side.
Best and thanks,
Hi! Contamination with Mycoplasma produces slow cell growth or culture deterioration when contamination is very severe but does not show essential cell changes. A bright edge in cells would not be of great relevance for the culture and is probably related to the microscope's light; it is normal to see it in rounded cells. Check how your culture grows; if you notice a deterioration or growth slowdown, you could think of Mycoplasma.
This phenomena has nothing to do with infection, nor with contamination!
The phenomena you are describing is called birefringence. It results from the curvature of the cell membrane diffracting light. As the light coverages at your focal plain, it reinforces and this appears brighter.
You haven't seen this before? When was the last time you re-aligned the optics of your microscope? I suspect that your phase contrast rings are misaligned.
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