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

Let’s Dive into Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-VCS V-Bottom Plates

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen equipment designed for various demanding environments. But my work also brings me into the lab, where precision and reliability are paramount, especially in assay work. Today, I’m putting the Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-VCS V-Bottom Plates under the microscope, and I’m excited to share my insights.

My team needed a high-throughput solution for a new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) protocol. We were experiencing inconsistent results with our existing plates, leading to wasted reagents and unreliable data. I had heard good things about Axygen Scientific and their reputation for quality, so I decided to give these V-Bottom Plates a try.

The plates arrived well-packaged, a good first sign for delicate lab equipment. The design looked clean and functional, and the polypropylene material felt sturdy. Lifting the box, I noticed that each plate felt incredibly light.

Compared to competitor plates from Corning and Greiner Bio-One, these seemed to offer a comparable well volume, though the V-bottom design was a key differentiator I was looking for. We chose these specifically for their V-bottom design, intending to improve our reagent recovery and reduce dead volume.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic, as lab consumables can be deceptively simple. I was curious to see how they would perform in our demanding assay workflow, given the rather high price tag of $399.99. My hope was that the Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-VCS V-Bottom Plates would offer improved consistency and ultimately save us time and resources, making the high cost worthwhile.

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

First Use Experience

The first real test of the Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-VCS V-Bottom Plates was in our ELISA protocol for detecting a specific antibody in serum samples. The plates were used on an automated liquid handling system for reagent dispensing and washing. The ease of integration with our existing equipment was critical.

We ran a full plate, testing different serum dilutions, and monitored the results closely. The V-bottom design proved effective at concentrating the reagents during the washing steps. There was significantly less residual liquid compared to our previous flat-bottom plates.

The plates were immediately easy to use, fitting perfectly in our plate reader and liquid handling system. The clear design also facilitated visual inspection of the wells. We had no issues with reagent dispensing or aspiration.

There were no immediate issues after the first use, but we did notice some slight variations in signal intensity across the plate. Further investigation was needed to determine if this was plate-related or due to other factors in our assay.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-VCS V-Bottom Plates proved to be remarkably reliable. We performed multiple ELISA assays, cell-based assays, and even some basic bacterial growth studies in them. The performance remained consistent across all applications.

There were minimal signs of wear and tear, even after repeated washing and handling. The polypropylene material seems to resist cracking or warping, which is crucial for maintaining well integrity. The plates also held up well to repeated autoclaving for sterilization.

Maintenance was straightforward. The plates are easily cleaned with standard laboratory detergents and solvents. Their chemical resistance prevented any degradation or staining from the reagents we used.

Compared to our previous experiences with other plates, the Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-VCS V-Bottom Plates definitely outperformed. The improved reagent recovery and reduced dead volume led to more consistent and reliable results. Our ELISA assays showed a significant improvement in sensitivity and reproducibility, justifying the initial investment.

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

Specifications

• The Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-VCS V-Bottom Plates are manufactured from 99.9% pure virgin polypropylene. This ensures minimal interference with assay results and excellent chemical resistance.
• Each plate features a 96-well format, conforming to standard microplate dimensions for compatibility with automated systems. This is critical for high-throughput applications.
• The V-bottom design allows for maximum sample recovery and minimizes dead volume. This is especially important when working with limited or precious samples.
• The working well volume for the V-Bottom Plates is 480 µL. This volume is sufficient for most common assay protocols.
• The plates are certified to be RNase-, DNase-, and pyrogen-free, ensuring the integrity of nucleic acid-based assays and preventing cellular contamination. This is a standard requirement for any high-quality assay plate.
• These plates are provided sterile. This eliminates the need for pre-sterilization, saving time and resources.
• The plates are clear, facilitating visual inspection of the wells and accurate colorimetric readings. This is critical for many common assays.
• The Axygen No.: is P-96-450-VCS, which ensures accurate reordering and traceability.

These specifications are essential for reliable and reproducible assay results. The high purity polypropylene, V-bottom design, and sterile certification all contribute to the overall quality and performance of the plates.

Performance & Functionality

The Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-VCS V-Bottom Plates perform exceptionally well in their intended function: providing a reliable and consistent platform for conducting high-throughput assays. The V-bottom design is a standout feature, significantly improving reagent recovery and reducing dead volume compared to flat-bottom plates.

The plates are reliable in terms of well-to-well consistency and overall structural integrity. The certified sterility and absence of nucleases and pyrogens ensured that our assays were not compromised by contamination. The plates are easy to use.

One minor weakness is the potential for air bubbles to become trapped in the V-bottom of the wells, particularly when dispensing viscous reagents. This can be mitigated by careful dispensing techniques. The high cost could be a drawback for some labs, but the improved performance and reliability justify the investment.

Overall, these plates meet and often exceed expectations. The improved consistency and reliability of our assays, directly attributable to the quality of these plates, are invaluable.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-VCS V-Bottom Plates is excellent. The polypropylene material is robust and resistant to cracking and warping. The plates feel lightweight but sturdy, making them easy to handle and transport.

The design is simple and functional, with a standard 96-well format that is compatible with most laboratory equipment. There is no learning curve associated with using these plates. Their standard dimensions and well spacing make them immediately user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

These plates are designed for longevity and can withstand repeated use and sterilization cycles. The chemical resistance of the polypropylene material ensures that they are not degraded by harsh solvents or reagents. With proper care and maintenance, these plates should last for a significant period.

Maintaining the plates is easy. They can be cleaned with standard laboratory detergents and autoclaved for sterilization. Their smooth surface facilitates easy cleaning and prevents the buildup of contaminants.

Accessories and Customization Options

The product description mentions that “Sealing mats are available in two varieties: the standard AxyMat* and the chemically resistant ImpermaMat*”. These sealing mats are essential for preventing evaporation and cross-contamination during incubation and storage.

The Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-VCS V-Bottom Plates are compatible with a wide range of standard microplate accessories, such as plate readers, liquid handling systems, and centrifuges. They also work with universal sealing films and foils, offering flexibility in assay design.

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

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

The Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-VCS V-Bottom Plates are perfect for researchers and technicians working in molecular biology, immunology, cell biology, and drug discovery. These plates are beneficial in any application that requires high-throughput screening, assay development, or sample storage. They are particularly well-suited for applications that require maximum reagent recovery or involve limited sample volumes.

Researchers on a tight budget may want to explore alternative options. Labs that primarily work with large sample volumes and don’t require maximum reagent recovery might not benefit significantly from the V-bottom design.

Must-have accessories include Axygen sealing mats (AxyMat or ImpermaMat) to prevent evaporation and cross-contamination. A multichannel pipette is also essential for efficiently dispensing reagents into the 96 wells.

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

The Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-VCS V-Bottom Plates are a top-tier product that delivers exceptional performance and reliability. While the price point may be higher than some alternatives, the improved reagent recovery, sterility, and durability justify the investment for many applications.

The value proposition is strong, particularly for labs that prioritize accuracy and reproducibility in their assays. If you’re looking for a reliable and high-performing assay plate that can withstand demanding laboratory conditions, I wholeheartedly recommend the Axygen 96-Well Assay Plates, Axygen Scientific P-96-450-VCS V-Bottom Plates. Invest in quality and see the difference it makes in your research.