What I Wish I Knew Before Buying the BD Plate Amine 384-well Black/cle 356719
The BD Plate Amine 384-well Black/cle 356719 from BD represents a crucial piece of lab equipment, often overlooked by those outside the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. These plates are far from tactical gear in the traditional sense, but for researchers pushing the boundaries of science, they’re as essential as a reliable compass is to a navigator. Offering high-throughput screening capabilities, these plates enable scientists to conduct numerous experiments simultaneously, accelerating drug discovery and biological research.
My journey into needing a BD Plate Amine 384-well Black/cle 356719 wasn’t born of tactical necessity, but rather a quest for efficiency in a demanding research project focusing on novel drug targets. I was seeking a reliable platform that could facilitate high-throughput screening of potential therapeutic compounds, and the BD Plate Amine 384-well Black/cle 356719, with its 384-well format and amine surface, seemed like a promising solution.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the sterile packaging, crucial for maintaining the integrity of cell-based assays. The plates themselves felt robust, with a rigid construction that instilled confidence in their ability to withstand robotic handling and incubation processes. The black wells minimize light scatter, enhancing the sensitivity of fluorescence-based assays, while the clear bottom allows for microscopic observation of cell cultures.
I briefly considered other 384-well plates, including those from Corning and Thermo Fisher Scientific. However, the BD brand’s reputation for quality and the specific amine surface chemistry, designed for covalent immobilization of biomolecules, ultimately swayed my decision. This feature was particularly important for my project, as it required stable and uniform binding of proteins to the plate surface.
My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. I was excited about the potential for increased throughput and the possibility of streamlining my research workflow, but also wary of potential challenges associated with adapting existing protocols to a 384-well format. The promise of higher efficiency was tempered by the realization that careful optimization would be necessary to achieve reliable and reproducible results.
Real-World Testing: Putting BD Plate Amine 384-well Black/cle 356719 to the Test
First Use Experience
The initial trial involved screening a library of small molecules against a target protein using a fluorescence polarization assay. I conducted the experiment in a controlled laboratory environment, adhering to strict aseptic techniques to prevent contamination. The BD Plate Amine 384-well Black/cle 356719 performed admirably.
The plate’s design facilitated accurate dispensing of reagents using a multi-channel pipette, and the uniform well geometry ensured consistent signal detection. I did observe a slight edge effect, with wells on the perimeter exhibiting slightly different signals, which required careful consideration during data analysis. The plates maintained their integrity throughout the incubation and washing steps, with no evidence of leakage or warping.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of continuous use, the BD Plate Amine 384-well Black/cle 356719 continued to deliver consistent and reliable performance. The plates exhibited excellent durability, withstanding repeated cycles of liquid handling, incubation, and plate reading. There were no signs of degradation or loss of amine surface functionality.
Cleaning and maintenance were straightforward, requiring only gentle washing with a mild detergent and thorough rinsing with sterile water. Compared to previous experiences with other plate formats, the 384-well format significantly reduced reagent consumption and labor time, enabling a substantial increase in experimental throughput. The plates consistently outperformed less expensive alternatives in terms of signal-to-noise ratio and overall assay quality.
Breaking Down the Features of BD Plate Amine 384-well Black/cle 356719
Specifications
The BD Plate Amine 384-well Black/cle 356719 boasts several key specifications:
- Catalog Number: 95059-906. This uniquely identifies the product for ordering and inventory management.
- Type: Disposable Plastics. This indicates that the plates are designed for single use to prevent cross-contamination.
- Description: Plate Amine 384-well Black/Cle. This specifies the plate format (384 wells), surface chemistry (amine), and well color (black) with clear bottom.
- Supplier Number: 356719. This is the BD internal product code.
These specifications are critical for ensuring compatibility with automated liquid handling systems and plate readers. The black wells enhance the sensitivity of fluorescence-based assays by minimizing light scatter, while the clear bottom allows for microscopic observation of cell cultures. The amine surface chemistry enables covalent immobilization of biomolecules, facilitating stable and uniform binding of proteins or other ligands.
Performance & Functionality
The BD Plate Amine 384-well Black/cle 356719 excels at its primary function: providing a high-throughput platform for cell-based assays and biochemical screenings. The amine surface allows for efficient and stable immobilization of biomolecules, which is essential for many applications, including ELISA, cell adhesion assays, and protein-protein interaction studies. The plates demonstrate excellent well-to-well consistency, minimizing variability and ensuring reliable data.
While the plates perform exceptionally well in most applications, the edge effect can be a limitation, requiring careful experimental design and data analysis. The high cost per plate can also be a barrier for some researchers, particularly those with limited budgets. Overall, the BD Plate Amine 384-well Black/cle 356719 meets and often exceeds expectations for performance and functionality.
Design & Ergonomics
The BD Plate Amine 384-well Black/cle 356719 is constructed from high-quality polystyrene, providing excellent rigidity and chemical resistance. The plate’s dimensions conform to industry standards, ensuring compatibility with automated liquid handling systems and plate readers. The black wells and clear bottom provide optimal conditions for fluorescence-based assays and microscopic observation.
The plates are user-friendly, requiring no special preparation or handling procedures. However, adapting existing protocols to a 384-well format may require some optimization, particularly with respect to reagent volumes and incubation times. The tight well spacing can also make it challenging to manually add or remove reagents without specialized equipment.
Durability & Maintenance
The BD Plate Amine 384-well Black/cle 356719 is designed for single use and is not intended for reuse. However, the plates exhibit excellent durability, withstanding repeated cycles of liquid handling, incubation, and plate reading without any signs of degradation or warping. Proper storage in a cool, dry place is essential to maintain the integrity of the amine surface.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only disposal after use. Cleaning is not necessary, as the plates are designed for single-use applications. However, spills or contamination should be addressed immediately to prevent cross-contamination.
Accessories and Customization Options
The BD Plate Amine 384-well Black/cle 356719 does not come with any specific accessories, as it is a standalone consumable item. However, the plates are compatible with a wide range of accessories commonly used in high-throughput screening, including:
- Automated liquid handling systems: These systems allow for precise and efficient dispensing of reagents into the wells.
- Plate readers: These instruments measure the absorbance, fluorescence, or luminescence of samples in the wells.
- Microscopes: These instruments allow for microscopic observation of cell cultures in the wells.
Customization options are limited, as the plates are manufactured to a specific design. However, researchers can modify the amine surface by conjugating different ligands or antibodies, tailoring the plates to specific applications. The plates are compatible with most commercially available reagents and solvents commonly used in biochemical assays and cell-based screenings.
Pros and Cons of BD Plate Amine 384-well Black/cle 356719
Pros
- High-throughput capability: Enables rapid screening of numerous samples, accelerating research.
- Amine surface: Facilitates covalent immobilization of biomolecules for stable and uniform binding.
- Black wells: Minimize light scatter, enhancing the sensitivity of fluorescence-based assays.
- Clear bottom: Allows for microscopic observation of cell cultures.
- Consistent Performance: Reliable and reproducible results minimize experimental variability.
Cons
- High cost: Can be expensive, especially for large-scale screenings.
- Edge effect: Wells on the perimeter may exhibit slightly different signals.
- Single-use: Designed for single-use applications, increasing overall cost.
Who Should Buy BD Plate Amine 384-well Black/cle 356719?
- Perfect for: Researchers in drug discovery, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries who need high-throughput screening capabilities. Those involved in cell-based assays, ELISA, and protein-protein interaction studies will benefit greatly.
- Who should skip this product? Those with extremely limited budgets or who only require very low-throughput screening.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? Automated liquid handling systems and plate readers are essential for maximizing the benefits of the 384-well format.
Conclusion on BD Plate Amine 384-well Black/cle 356719
The BD Plate Amine 384-well Black/cle 356719 is a valuable tool for researchers seeking to increase their experimental throughput and streamline their research workflows. While the cost may be a barrier for some, the superior performance, reliability, and specialized amine surface chemistry make it a worthwhile investment for those who require high-quality data and consistent results.
The price is justified by the increased efficiency and enhanced sensitivity it provides, ultimately saving time and resources in the long run. I would highly recommend the BD Plate Amine 384-well Black/cle 356719 to any researcher looking to take their experiments to the next level. Invest in your research; get yours today!
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