Description
Gentamycin sulfate is effective against gram positive and gram negative bacteria, as well as mycoplasma, by interfering with bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S subunit of ribosomes. Its suggested working concentration of 50 mg/L is generally non-toxic to viruses and mammalian cells, thereby making a gentler alternative to penicillin and steptomycin. While it is useful for treating persistent contaminants, it is also beneficial for extended virus and tissue culture studies due to the slow development of bacterial resistance and for protein studies due to its lack of protein binding. It is also generally more stable at room temperature than other antibiotics. The sterile solution is prepared in water at a concentration of 50 mg/mL and a stock solution prepared from the powder should be prepared similarly.