Description of 96 Well Filter Plate
A 96-well filter plate is a laboratory device used for the filtration and separation of samples in high-throughput applications. It consists of a plastic plate with 96 individual wells arranged in an 8×12 grid format, similar to a standard microplate.
The wells in a 96-well filter plate are typically equipped with a filter membrane at the bottom. This membrane allows the passage of liquids while retaining particles or molecules of a certain size.
96-well filter plates are commonly used in molecular biology, biochemistry, drug discovery, and other research fields where large numbers of samples need to be processed simultaneously. They are often employed in techniques such as DNA purification, cell-based assays, protein purification, and drug screening.
To use a 96-well filter plate, the liquid sample is added to each well, and the plate is then subjected to filtration either by vacuum or centrifugation. The filter membranes retain the desired components while allowing the filtrate to pass through. The filtered samples can then be collected for further analysis or experimentation.
Features of 96 Well Filter Plate
- Well format: The plate is divided into 96 wells, arranged in an 8 x 12 grid format, allowing for high-throughput filtration and simultaneous processing of multiple samples.
- Filter medium: Each well contains a filter at the bottom, which can be made of various materials such as polypropylene, nylon, or PES. The choice of filter medium depends on the specific application and the substances being filtered.
- Compatibility: 96-well filter plates are typically designed to fit standard microplate dimensions, allowing them to be used with various liquid handling and analysis systems.
- Automation compatibility: These filter plates are compatible with automated liquid handling systems, enabling high-speed and efficient filtration processes.
- Chemical resistance: Made of polypropylene, with high chemical resistance and mechanical strength.
Applications
- Sample preparation: 96-well filter plates are commonly used in sample preparation processes, such as purification, clarification, and removal of particulates. They can effectively separate solids, debris, or unwanted components from liquid samples.
- Cell culture filtration: These plates are suitable for cell culture applications, including the filtration of cell suspensions to remove cells, aggregates, or contaminants, while retaining valuable growth media or supernatant.
- DNA/RNA isolation: 96-well filter plates can be used for DNA or RNA isolation by filtering lysates or solutions to separate nucleic acids from cellular debris or proteins.
- Protein purification: They are useful for protein purification techniques, including the removal of precipitates, cell debris, or unwanted aggregates, while retaining the desired protein fraction.
- Assay development and screening: 96-well filter plates are employed in high-throughput screening assays, allowing rapid filtration and separation of reaction mixtures or binding assays. This facilitates efficient analysis of multiple samples simultaneously.
Overall, the 96-well filter plate provides a versatile and efficient tool for various filtration applications in laboratories, particularly in high-throughput workflows where processing multiple samples in parallel is essential.