I am trying to isolate primary neurons for cell culture and am wondering if there is a difference between using Penn/Strep vs. Gentamicin for my neuronal media?
Hi Charles,
Penn/Strep is the most commonly used. Also you will find Penn/Strep/Amphotericin B mixes which cover a bit wider expectre. Watch out for gentamicin use, it may result a bit toxic for primary cultures.
Antibiotics aren't 100% necessary in culture media, I rarely use antibiotics to protect my primary cultures, in general a careful handling is enough to keep contamination out.
Check this RG entry
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Do_you_routinely_use_antibiotics_in_culture_media_What_do_you_use
Hi,
I agree with the previous answer. gentamicin seems to exert some sort of toxic effects of primary cultures. Penn-Strep is the most commonly used one. Again, the decision to use antibiotics in culture media depends on your special situation in the lab. If you are sure of not getting contaminated by other fellow users of your incubator, you don't need them. But if you end up using it, go for Pen-Strep.
Good luck,
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