What Are 96 Well Plates Used For?

96 well microplates (Deep Well Polypropylene Microplates) are commonly used for sample storage in life science laboratories. They are commonly used in high-throughput LCMS laboratories for sample preparation and instrumental analysis, as they are automation compatible with liquid handling robots. Other applications include: sample collection, combinatorial chemistry, and other high-throughput screening and purification assays. Each microplate is made to the ANSI/SBS format for compatibility with most readers/washers and automated equipment.

Are All 96 Well Plates Made the Same?

An essential aspect of the manufacturing of these plates is the selection of clean, raw materials for injection molding. Polypropylene is an inert and heat-resistant material, ideal for sample storage. However, all grades of polypropylene are not the same; for example, injection molding grades of polypropylene often have high concentrations of chemicals to aid the molding process. This allows rapid production of plates and lower costs but may compromise the integrity of samples or compounds that are stored in such plates for extended periods. The problem is particularly acute where compounds are stored as solutions in solvents such as methanol or DMSO, as these excellent solvents have a tendency to extract any added extractable compounds such as mold release agents or polymer flow improvers from the polypropylene base material.

When using Chrom Tech 96 Well Microplates, you can be assured that our MS 96 Well Microplates are made from virgin polypropylene, tested for low extractables, and manufactured in a DNase/RNase-free environment. These plates can be stored at -80ºC.

Common Types of 96 Well Microplates for LCMS

Deep Well Square Microplates

Our 96-well deep square plates are made to tight specification levels, made from virgin polypropylene, tested for low extractables, and manufactured in a DNase/RNase-free environment. They have a V bottom to allow total liquid removal, or partial collection, and to aid re-suspension. There are no inner edges to allow better collection of magnetic beads. We offer a variety of working volumes, from 350µL to 2mL wells, depending on the application. These plates have raised well rims to improve heat sealing. Although we primarily sell non-sterile plates, if you are looking for a sterile 96 well microplate, please contact Chrom Tech for a quote.

Deep Well Round Microplates

Our 96-well deep round plates are made from virgin polypropylene, tested for low extractables, and manufactured in a DNase/RNase-free environment. We offer a rimmed version to stop cross contamination and enable a better seal with heat sealing films. Our non-rimmed versions allow insertion of glass vials/inserts and are designed to be used with adhesive films. The cylindrical well with round bottom is designed for optimal mixing and sample recovery.

We also offer a revolutionary 96-well deep round ‘common wall’ plate. The maximum volume for our common wall plates is 2.075 ml per well and working volume is a useful 1.85 ml, more than any other comparable ‘2 ml Round Well’ plate in this class. The ‘common wall’ design allows the highest possible volume to be used whilst maintaining an overall height of just 45 mm, complete with ANSI/SLAS standard base and footprint. Extra working volume is, thus, assured in a convenient round bottom, round well format.

Conclusion

It is important to know that not all 96 well microplates are made to the same standard. When using Chrom Tech 96 Well Microplates, you can be assured that our MS 96 Well Microplates are made from virgin polypropylene and tested for low extractables. In addition to 96 well microplates, Chrom Tech also offers PCR Plates, 96 Well Elisa Plates, and reservoir trough plates. Please contact Chrom Tech for your 96 well microplate needs; we are here to help.