In addition to the selection of suitable reagents, strict operation and the use of precision instruments, the correct selection and use of consumables such as microplates is also the key to the success of the experiment for the presentation of perfect experimental results!
Frequently asked questions about microplates
Q1: How to choose the color of the microplate?
1. Fluorescence detection
The black microwell plate can absorb light, so it can suppress the influence of autofluorescence, and is suitable for fluorescence detection with short half-lives (nanoseconds to microseconds) such as GFP, fluorescein, Cy3 and Cy5. For the detection of lanthanide chelates with long half-lives (microseconds to milliseconds), time-resolved fluorescence detection can be used to avoid the influence of autofluorescence. White microplates are usually recommended, but if there are large cross-interference, you need to use black microplates.
2. Luminescence detection
Usually white microplates with high light reflection efficiency are used. To avoid cross-interference, use off-white (AlphaPlate), gray or black microplates. In addition, phosphorescence (refers to the phenomenon that a substance such as a microwell plate stores light after being irradiated with light such as a fluorescent lamp) is also one of the reasons for the background enhancement. Black microplates suppress the effects of this phenomenon. For white microplates, shade them from light for about 10 minutes before detection to achieve dark adaptation to reduce the effect of phosphorescence.
Q2: Questions about edge effects
Information on the types and solutions of edge effects follows:
①Temperature gradient: It can be solved by pre-adjusting the temperature of the microplate to the same temperature as the detector before the measurement.
②Evaporation: Plate cover or sealing film can be used to prevent evaporation. Also, setting the humidity inside the incubator to near 100% helps.
③ In view of the edge effect in cell experiments, it has been reported that pre-incubating the microplate at room temperature for 1 hour before placing the microplate in a 37°C incubator can help cells adhere evenly.
Q3: What does 1/2 AreaPlate mean?
Compared with the common 96-well microplate, the pore diameter is about half that of the microplate. Even a small liquid volume can ensure that the sample reaches a higher depth, avoiding low signal caused by insufficient liquid volume.
Q4: Does AlphaScreen/AlphaLISA (drug activity testing technology) need to use a special microplate?
AlphaPlate is available in off-white, an intermediate color between white and gray microplates. Alpha technology is used to emit light detector detection signal. In luminescence detection, white microplates are used in most cases, but using AlphaPlate can suppress cross-interference and improve detection accuracy.
pcr plate
Q5: What are the characteristics of Yongyue Medical's 96-well PCR plate?
1) Made of high-quality medical-grade PP raw materials, no deformation, good sealing performance, in line with USP VI level;
2) The product colors include white and black, transparent microplates, and microplates for SBS standards, which are suitable for automation;
3) The products are all produced in a 100,000-level purification workshop without DNase, RNase, and endotoxin pollution;
4) Made of high-quality medical grade PP material, no deformation, good sealing performance, in line with USP VI level;
5) The PCR plate can match the PCR plate film and PCR plate cover;
6) The product has excellent optical properties, air tightness, and thermal denaturation stability;
7) The product can realize high-throughput operation, and is compatible with different manufacturers and models of guns and PCR instruments.
8) There are four types of skirt designs: half skirt, no skirt, high skirt and full skirt, which can meet different experimental needs.
