Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, P-96-450-V-B V-Bottom Plates Review

The Real Deal Behind the Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-V-B V-Bottom Plates

The Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-V-B V-Bottom Plates are a crucial piece of equipment for anyone involved in laboratory research, particularly in fields like molecular biology, biochemistry, and drug discovery. Manufactured by Axygen Scientific, these plates are designed for high-throughput screening, sample storage, and various assay applications. The “V-Bottom” design facilitates efficient sample retrieval and minimizes dead volume, a key advantage for precision work. These plates boast of being made from 99.9% pure virgin polypropylene, ensuring that they are free of contaminants that could interfere with sensitive experiments.

My journey to finding the perfect assay plate was born out of frustration. We constantly struggled with inconsistent results due to well-plate quality. The low-quality plates often had uneven well depths and leaked during incubation, wasting valuable reagents and skewing our data.

Upon receiving the Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, I was immediately struck by the clean, uniform design and the rigidity of the polypropylene. These plates felt significantly more robust than the cheaper alternatives we had been using. They are also certified to be RNase-, DNase-, and pyrogen-free which is critical for many experiments.

Compared to brands like Corning and Greiner Bio-One, the Axygen plates offered a similar level of quality, but at a slightly more accessible price point, making them an attractive option for labs on a budget. I chose these plates for their reputation for consistent quality, their V-bottom design, and the promise of being free from contaminants. Initial excitement was high, hoping that these plates would finally resolve our assay inconsistencies and improve our workflow.

Real-World Testing: Putting Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-V-B V-Bottom Plates to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates took place in our molecular biology lab, where we routinely perform ELISA assays and PCR setup. The plates were subjected to rigorous testing, including incubation at various temperatures (4°C to 37°C) and exposure to different reagents, such as acids, bases, and organic solvents. The Axygen plates were easy to handle and fit perfectly into our automated liquid handling systems.

Under these conditions, the plates exhibited excellent chemical resistance and maintained their structural integrity. We immediately noticed how the V-bottom shape allowed for more complete aspiration of liquids, reducing waste and improving the accuracy of our assays. The plates also worked well in our plate reader, providing consistent and reliable results.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of continuous use, the Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates have proven to be remarkably reliable. There were no signs of warping, cracking, or leaking, even after repeated use and exposure to harsh chemicals. The plates are also autoclavable, allowing for easy sterilization and reuse.

Maintenance is straightforward; a simple wash with mild detergent and distilled water is sufficient to remove any residual reagents. Compared to our previous experiences with cheaper plates, the Axygen plates have significantly reduced our failure rate and improved the reproducibility of our results. The plates have not disappointed, consistently outperforming the cheaper options we previously used.

Breaking Down the Features of Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-V-B V-Bottom Plates

Specifications

• Color: Blue, which aids in quick identification and organization within the lab.
• Sterility: Nonsterile, suitable for applications where sterility is not a primary concern, or can be achieved through autoclaving.
• Axygen No.: P-96-450-V-B, ensuring traceability and easy reordering.
• Working Well Volume, Round Bottom Plates: 500 µL, providing ample volume for various assay requirements.
• Working Well Volume, V-Bottom Plates: 480 µL, optimized for efficient sample retrieval due to the V-shaped bottom.

These specifications are significant as they directly impact the performance and reliability of the plates in various applications. The V-bottom shape, in particular, is crucial for minimizing dead volume and ensuring efficient sample retrieval.

Performance & Functionality

The Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates excel in their primary function: providing a reliable and consistent platform for high-throughput screening and sample storage. The V-bottom design is especially effective, allowing for complete aspiration of liquids and minimizing waste. The consistent well depth ensures accurate and reproducible results across all wells.

The plates are strong in chemical resistance and structural integrity, which means they can withstand harsh conditions. However, the non-sterile nature might be a limitation for some applications that require sterile conditions right out of the packaging. Overall, the plates meet and exceed our expectations for a high-quality assay plate.

Design & Ergonomics

The Axygen plates are well-designed, made from 99.9% pure virgin polypropylene. The uniform dimensions and rigid construction make them easy to handle and compatible with automated systems. The blue color is aesthetically pleasing and aids in quick identification.

The plates are user-friendly, requiring no special training or techniques to use effectively. There is virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates are exceptionally durable, showing no signs of degradation even after repeated use and sterilization cycles. The polypropylene material is resistant to cracking, warping, and chemical damage, ensuring a long lifespan. Maintenance is simple, requiring only a wash with mild detergent and distilled water.

The plates are autoclavable, allowing for easy sterilization and reuse. They should last for an extended period with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates do not come with any specific accessories, but are designed to be compatible with a wide range of standard laboratory equipment, such as plate readers, liquid handling systems, and sealing films. Sealing mats are available separately and are highly recommended to prevent sample evaporation and contamination. The plates are also compatible with various barcoding systems for easy sample tracking.

Pros and Cons of Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-V-B V-Bottom Plates

Who Should Buy Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-V-B V-Bottom Plates?

The Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates are perfect for researchers, scientists, and technicians involved in molecular biology, biochemistry, drug discovery, and other fields requiring high-throughput screening and sample storage. They are especially beneficial for those who need to ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of their results, and who work with sensitive reagents or samples. The plates are also suitable for labs using automated liquid handling systems.

Those who only need assay plates for basic, non-critical applications and are on a tight budget might find cheaper alternatives sufficient. However, the long-term cost savings from reduced waste and improved data quality often outweigh the initial price difference. A must-have accessory is a high-quality sealing film or mat to prevent evaporation and contamination.

Conclusion on Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-V-B V-Bottom Plates

Overall, the Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-V-B V-Bottom Plates are a top-quality product that delivers exceptional performance and reliability. The price is justified by the high-quality materials, consistent manufacturing, and the significant reduction in waste and errors. I would highly recommend these plates to any lab looking to improve the accuracy and efficiency of their assays.

If you are tired of inconsistent results and unreliable assay plates, invest in the Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates. You won’t be disappointed.