Hello all,
I am starting to work with N2a cell line and I don't know if I should use antibiotics in the culture medium or not. Some papers mention the use and some others don't. Also, I don't know how "easy to use" they are so if you can give me some insights I will be grateful! Also, feel free to send me your protocols!! I'll appreciate that too!
Thanks!
You shouldn't use any antibiotics in routine cell culture. If you use sterile techniques and equipment, you don't need them. And you can never be sure, which influence they have on your cells and experiments. You also promote the formation of antibiotic resistant bacteria strains. Additionally antibiotics often mask a contamination, so you wont recognize it on day 1, but often after some more days or weeks in culture, which is IMO even worse.
In our hands N2A cells are easy to handle. To your question: If you are the only person to handle them and have a sterile hood, you may work without any antibiotics. If you prefer antibiotics to be on the safe side, you may add Pen/Strep. Our cells appear healthy in the presence of antibiotics.
You shouldn't use any antibiotics in routine cell culture. If you use sterile techniques and equipment, you don't need them. And you can never be sure, which influence they have on your cells and experiments. You also promote the formation of antibiotic resistant bacteria strains. Additionally antibiotics often mask a contamination, so you wont recognize it on day 1, but often after some more days or weeks in culture, which is IMO even worse.
I agree with Max,
Antibiotic use should be avoided wherever possible, for the reasons he mentions.
I would also recommend testing for mycoplasma infection of any new cell line, as this can become a big problem and remain undetected for a long time.
Good aseptic technique should be your first and best defense in both cases.
Good luck!
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