96 Well Plate
A 96-well plate is a microplate with a grid of 96 individual wells, arranged in an 8x12 configuration. Each well acts as a mini-test tube, holding a small volume of liquid sample, typically between 50-300 µL. This standardized format is extensively used in molecular biology, immunology, drug discovery, and clinical diagnostics for high-throughput experiments, as it allows for simultaneous analysis of multiple samples or replicates in a compact and organized manner.
Structure and Material of 96-Well Plates
- Materials: Commonly manufactured from clear polystyrene for optical assays, or opaque white or black polystyrene for luminescence and fluorescence assays, respectively. Material composition is chosen based on assay type to minimize background interference and enhance signal detection.
- Coating: Plates can be uncoated or pre-coated with biomolecules (such as antibodies or antigens), poly-L-lysine, or other substances to promote cell attachment, protein binding, or specific molecule detection.
- Well Types:
- Flat-Bottom Wells: Ideal for optical assays, such as ELISA, where accurate measurement by spectrophotometry is required.
- Round-Bottom Wells: Used for assays where mixing is essential, as the round shape improves mixing efficiency.
- U-Bottom and V-Bottom Wells: V-shaped wells are especially useful for pellet formation in centrifugation, commonly used in cell and particle applications.
Applications of 96-Well Plates
96-well plates are versatile tools used in:
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): For detecting and quantifying proteins, antibodies, or other analytes in biological samples.
- Cell Culture: Some plates are optimized for cell adhesion, making them suitable for high-throughput cell proliferation, toxicity, or viability studies.
- PCR and qPCR: For nucleic acid amplification, particularly when testing multiple primers, probes, or samples.
- Drug Screening: For assessing the effects of various compounds across a range of concentrations on target cells or biomolecules.
- Automated Liquid Handling: Compatible with robotic systems for high-throughput screening, where consistent sample processing is critical.
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