Propagation of eukaryotic cells cultures are relatively long-lasting processes, what makes them sensitive to greater number of possible contaminants.
Virus contaminations
Viruses are the most dangerous contaminant in this type of fermentation. Due to small sizes, they are the toughest enemy to prevent entering the process, and their occurrence may result in very long, lasting even several months, paralysis of whole facility productivity. Due to the fact that eukaryotic cell cultures are usually used for production of highly valuable products, a risk of running fermentation without optimal protection is something what can cost you a lot.
Bacterial contaminations
Bacterial contamination of eukaryotic cell cultures is a problem, which occur relatively frequently. Especially well known for contaminating this type of fermentation are mycoplasmas, but other types of bacteria can also be a causative agents of this problem.
Fungal contamination
Fungal contamination due to relatively long fermentation process can be also a problem. When fungi appear in the culture they may cause adverse effects like production of toxins. They are also relatively hard to get rid of, due to high resistance of fungal spores.
