Mycoplasma identification requires microscopic observation of bacterial colonies on plates, but for beginners, the small size and potential impurities in the sample create significant challenges. Therefore, our company's Mycoplasma Staining Fluid can be used. This staining fluid specifically stains mycoplasmas, resulting in a distinct light blue color under a microscope. Although regulations do not include the staining fluid in the culture medium method, it makes it easier for operators to observe mycoplasmas.
When observing mycoplasma on agar plates, impurities can sometimes interfere with visual confirmation. In such cases, our company’s mycoplasma staining reagent can be used. After 10–14 days of incubation, add 200 µL of the staining reagent directly onto the agar plate. The dye will selectively stain only the mycoplasma colonies, which will appear under the microscope as pale-blue “fried-egg” shaped colonies.
Important note: This staining method is not part of any official pharmacopoeia or regulatory requirement — it is an optional step intended solely to facilitate easier visual observation.
Procedure:
After adding the stain, wait only a few seconds.
Pour off the excess staining solution.
Gently rinse the plate once or twice with sterile water and pour off the water.
Observe under an inverted microscope (typically at 100×–400× magnification).
P.S.: Mycoplasma cells are killed by the staining process and will no longer grow afterward. Therefore, staining must not be performed too early — only after the final observation or when subculturing is no longer required.
