Let’s Dive into Corning Falcon Multiwell Flat-Bottom Plates with Lids, Sterile, 353046
The Corning Falcon Multiwell Flat-Bottom Plates with Lids, Sterile, 353046 are a staple in any biological lab, essential for cell culture, assays, and a myriad of research applications. These 6-well plates, manufactured by Corning, offer a sterile and reliable platform for experiments requiring multiple conditions or replicates. The flat-bottom design ensures consistent optical readings, while the lids minimize contamination and evaporation.
My journey into evaluating these plates stems from years of experience in field research where I’ve collaborated with labs studying environmental impacts on cellular health. We needed a reliable and consistent method for initial cell cultures extracted from environmental samples, often under challenging field conditions before transport to a controlled lab. These plates were selected for their reputation and compatibility with our existing automated equipment.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the robust packaging, clearly designed to maintain sterility during transport. The plates themselves felt solid and well-made, with a reassuring click when the lids were properly seated, indicating a tight seal. The alphanumeric well identification was clear and easily readable, a detail often overlooked but critical for accurate tracking of samples.
I’ve used similar multiwell plates from Greiner Bio-One and Thermo Fisher Scientific in the past, but the Corning Falcon plates were chosen for their proven consistency in surface treatment and optical clarity. Ultimately, the Corning Falcon plates won out due to their combination of features and reputation for reliability, crucial for reducing variability in our sensitive cell culture experiments. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; their reputation preceded them, and I was eager to see if they lived up to the hype in our challenging field-to-lab workflow.
Real-World Testing: Putting Corning Falcon Multiwell Flat-Bottom Plates with Lids, Sterile, 353046 to the Test
First Use Experience
Our initial tests took place both in a controlled laboratory environment and, more critically, in a mobile lab setup at a remote field research site. In the field, the plates were used for primary cell cultures extracted from water samples taken directly from a contaminated river system. Despite the less-than-ideal conditions – fluctuating temperatures and increased risk of airborne contaminants – the plates performed admirably.
The tight-fitting lids prevented significant evaporation, even during transport back to the main laboratory, which was a major concern. The flat-bottom wells allowed for easy microscopic observation directly through the plate, saving precious time during sample evaluation. Even with constant handling during transport, the sterile packaging maintained the plates’ condition.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use across multiple projects, the Corning Falcon Multiwell Flat-Bottom Plates with Lids, Sterile, 353046 proved to be remarkably reliable. There were no instances of contamination or inconsistent cell growth attributable to the plates themselves. The plates were also subjected to rigorous cleaning protocols in the lab after use, including autoclaving and chemical sterilization.
Even after repeated sterilization cycles, the plates retained their structural integrity and optical clarity. Compared to previous experiences with cheaper, less robust plates, the Corning Falcon plates consistently outperformed expectations in terms of both durability and reliability. The Corning Falcon plates outperformed previous experiences due to the consistent vacuum-gas plasma treatment across the tissue culture surface.
Breaking Down the Features of Corning Falcon Multiwell Flat-Bottom Plates with Lids, Sterile, 353046
Specifications
The Corning Falcon Multiwell Flat-Bottom Plates with Lids, Sterile, 353046 feature six wells per plate, offering ample space for conducting multiple experiments or replicates simultaneously. The total well area is 9.6 cm2, providing sufficient surface area for cell attachment and proliferation. Each well has a volume capacity of 15.5 mL, allowing for adequate media volume to sustain cell growth for extended periods.
The plates are individually packaged in trays, ensuring sterility until the moment of use. The BD No. is 353046, which is crucial for ordering and referencing the correct product. The sterile nature, achieved through gamma irradiation, minimizes the risk of contamination, a paramount concern in cell culture work. These specifications are critical because they ensure that the plates are optimized for cell culture, providing a controlled and sterile environment for cell growth and experimentation.
Performance & Functionality
The Corning Falcon Multiwell Flat-Bottom Plates with Lids, Sterile, 353046 excel in their primary function: providing a reliable and sterile platform for cell culture and assays. The flat-bottom design facilitates consistent optical readings, essential for quantitative assays and accurate data analysis. The lids effectively minimize evaporation, maintaining stable media conditions and preventing cross-contamination between wells.
A strength is the consistent tissue culture surface chemistry, achieved via vacuum-gas plasma treatment, ensures uniform cell attachment and growth. A slight weakness might be the well volume, which is acceptable for most applications but could be limiting for experiments requiring larger volumes. The performance exceeds expectations, particularly regarding the prevention of contamination and maintenance of consistent experimental conditions.
Design & Ergonomics
The Corning Falcon Multiwell Flat-Bottom Plates with Lids, Sterile, 353046 boast a user-friendly design with clear alphanumeric well identification, simplifying sample tracking and reducing the risk of errors. The serrated gripping panels provide a secure hold, even when wearing gloves, preventing accidental drops and spills. The large writing patch allows for easy labeling of plates with experiment details, further enhancing organization.
The build quality is excellent, with durable materials that withstand repeated handling and sterilization cycles. There is virtually no learning curve; the plates are intuitive to use, even for novice researchers. The design prioritizes ease of use and minimizes the potential for human error, crucial in a laboratory setting.
Durability & Maintenance
The high-quality materials used in the Corning Falcon Multiwell Flat-Bottom Plates with Lids, Sterile, 353046 contribute to their exceptional durability. With proper care, including gentle handling and appropriate cleaning protocols, these plates can withstand numerous sterilization cycles. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only standard laboratory cleaning procedures.
The plates are resistant to most common laboratory chemicals, further extending their lifespan. The longevity and ease of maintenance of these plates contribute significantly to their cost-effectiveness in the long run. The Corning Falcon plates offer lab technicians a reliable resource.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Corning Falcon Multiwell Flat-Bottom Plates with Lids, Sterile, 353046 do not typically come with additional accessories beyond the lids themselves, which are integral to maintaining sterility and preventing evaporation. While there are no direct customization options for the plates themselves, they are compatible with a wide range of standard laboratory equipment, including automated liquid handlers and microplate readers.
They are also compatible with various cell culture media and reagents from different brands. Users can also use various cell culture inserts designed for multiwell plates to create co-culture systems or perform transwell assays.
Pros and Cons of Corning Falcon Multiwell Flat-Bottom Plates with Lids, Sterile, 353046
Pros
- Consistent tissue culture surface: Uniform cell attachment and growth across all wells.
- Patented low evaporation lid: Minimizes media loss and prevents contamination.
- Exceptional optical clarity: Allows for easy visualization of cell monolayers.
- Sterile packaging: Ensures plates are free from contaminants upon arrival.
- Durable construction: Withstands repeated handling and sterilization cycles.
Cons
- Limited well volume: May not be suitable for experiments requiring large media volumes.
- Higher price point: Compared to some generic multiwell plates.
Who Should Buy Corning Falcon Multiwell Flat-Bottom Plates with Lids, Sterile, 353046?
The Corning Falcon Multiwell Flat-Bottom Plates with Lids, Sterile, 353046 are perfect for researchers, cell biologists, and laboratory technicians involved in cell culture, drug discovery, and basic biological research. They are also ideal for academic labs, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech startups that require reliable and sterile multiwell plates for their experiments. Any lab with automation will see the benefit of these plates.
Those on a very tight budget or who only require multiwell plates for non-critical applications might consider cheaper alternatives. However, for any experiment where reproducibility and data integrity are paramount, the Corning Falcon plates are well worth the investment. A must-have accessory is a reliable multiwell plate reader for quantitative analysis.
Conclusion on Corning Falcon Multiwell Flat-Bottom Plates with Lids, Sterile, 353046
In summary, the Corning Falcon Multiwell Flat-Bottom Plates with Lids, Sterile, 353046 are a high-quality and reliable product that delivers consistent performance for a wide range of cell culture and assay applications. While the price point may be slightly higher than some alternatives, the exceptional optical clarity, patented low evaporation lid, and durable construction justify the investment.
The value proposition is clear: these plates minimize the risk of contamination, ensure consistent experimental conditions, and provide accurate data, saving time and resources in the long run. I would wholeheartedly recommend these plates to any researcher or laboratory professional seeking a dependable and sterile platform for their cell-based experiments. Invest in quality, invest in Corning Falcon, and watch your research thrive.