Finding or choosing the right microplate is a difficult task, to say the least, and it’s equally challenging to find the right sealing film. Because their purpose is so specific, you cannot make an error, you have to find the right one to use for your specific task. And to confuse the situation further, there is a great number of different types on the market.
So you have to know what you’re doing and what you are going to need either one for before you make your choice. Your needs will determine which microplate will be best for you. In this article, we’ll look at ways to find the top microplates and sealing films.
What Are Microplates and Sealing Films
A microplate is a multilayered device usually used to store samples for laboratory analysis. Sealing films are like caps, they seal the plate so that the sample is not contaminated and no impurities enter it. Moreover, it acts as a protective layer to preserve your samples so that they don’t interact with the atmosphere. They are mostly used in the medical industry. Therefore sealing films are special types of caps for plates that can be attached to the plate using thermal energy or an external adhesive.
Know Your Requirements
There are numerous types of microplates and sealing films available in the market, so understanding the requirements of your use is essential. Even though all the plates have one primary function, to store samples, they are still different from others according to the samples being stored in them. This sample variance and how they are going to test or analyze will determine which microplate type you need. Only then can you hand pick the right microplate and seal confidently.
Plate Colour
Microplates come in various colors such as white and black. They have different properties and are used for different types of samples and tests. Specialists at https://istscientific.com/ suggest that white plates are generally more suited for luminescence applications. This is because they maximize the light rather than absorb it. On the contrary, if your task at hand is related to fluorescence then you should use black plates. Black absorbs light and the material that they’re made from minimizes the scattering of light. Moreover, black also reduces the reflection of light.
Cost-Effective
Not all plates and sealings will cost the same. The quality of the plate will decide the cost. Also, it depends on you if you want a performance-driven product or a cost-effective one. You can compare different manufacturers or brands and their products to find the best microplate and sealing film. Their properties may vary depending on their size and quality. Check for reviews from customers to see what they’ve experienced from the products. Moreover, microplates are generally difficult to manufacture because of their specificity, so if you’re looking for the top quality plates, ensure that you have enough budget.
Choosing the Right Sealing Film
Sealing films are like caps. Once you’ve placed the samples on the microplate, you’ll need to cover them up. This is what the sealing films are used for. Their primary purpose is to prevent contamination of the sample and minimize or prevent oxidation from the environment. Sealing films are made of a special plastic called PP Plastic. They make a strong bond with the plate so the samples are preserved during processing or storage.
Application
To choose the top sealant, you’ll need to identify the application and its requirements. Some sealants are peelable while others are not. Some are optically clear and solvent resistant. They have different properties so you need to know your job specs before you buy. Films are the type of sealants that stick to the good rims of the microplate. They’re also termed foils. To choose a top-rated film, you need to look at its adhesion, the material that it’s made from, the price, and its durability. Moreover, the dimensions of the film along with the environment it will be used in also play a significant role.
Finding or choosing the top microplate or sealing film can be quite challenging. There’s so much complexity involved because of their manufacturing process and specification that it becomes difficult to choose the right one. You can compare various brands and their products to see which one has the better quality. Moreover, always research what the experts have to say before you buy.