True Results from the Corning Falcon 96-Well Cell Culture Plates, 351172 Plates With Untreated Surface, Sterile
The Corning Falcon 96-Well Cell Culture Plates, 351172 Plates With Untreated Surface, Sterile represent a crucial component in cell-based research, offering a standardized platform for culturing and analyzing cells in a high-throughput format. Manufactured by Corning, these plates are designed to provide a sterile, reliable, and cost-effective solution for various cell culture applications. The key feature of these plates is their untreated surface, which is specifically designed for suspension cell cultures or applications where cell attachment is not desired.
My foray into needing these Corning Falcon 96-Well Cell Culture Plates came about during a particularly demanding phase of my research focusing on hematopoietic stem cell differentiation. We were grappling with inconsistent results when using treated plates, as the cells were adhering and skewing our differentiation assays. We needed a reliable and sterile environment that would allow for uniform suspension culture, and the Corning Falcon 351172 plates seemed like the perfect fit.
The plates arrived in a neatly packaged box, each individually wrapped and clearly labeled as sterile. Holding them for the first time, they felt sturdy and well-constructed, with a reassuring rigidity that hinted at their ability to withstand the rigors of handling and incubation. The clarity of the polystyrene was remarkable, promising excellent visibility for microscopic observation.
Compared to other 96-well plates I’ve used, specifically the Thermo Scientific Nunclon Delta Surface plates (treated for cell attachment) and the Greiner Bio-One CELLSTAR plates (also treated), the Corning Falcon 351172 plates stood out due to their deliberate lack of treatment. This was precisely the characteristic I was seeking, as the other plates consistently led to unwanted cell adhesion in my suspension cultures. This clear distinction made the Corning Falcon plates the ideal choice for my specific experimental needs.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The plates looked and felt like a high-quality product, and I was eager to see if they would deliver on their promise of providing a consistent, non-adherent surface for my cell cultures. The anticipation was mixed with a hint of relief, hoping that these plates would finally resolve the inconsistencies that had been plaguing my experiments.
Real-World Testing: Putting Corning Falcon 96-Well Cell Culture Plates, 351172 Plates With Untreated Surface, Sterile to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Corning Falcon 96-Well Cell Culture Plates in our cell culture lab, under standard sterile conditions within a biosafety cabinet. The experiment involved culturing hematopoietic stem cells in a serum-free suspension media supplemented with growth factors to induce differentiation. The plates were incubated at 37°C with 5% CO2 in a humidified incubator, mimicking the optimal environment for cell growth.
The performance was exceptional, even under humidified conditions. The untreated surface truly prevented cell attachment, ensuring that the cells remained in suspension throughout the incubation period. The well design effectively minimized evaporation, maintaining consistent media volume and reducing edge effects, a common issue with 96-well plates.
The plates were incredibly easy to use and required no special handling techniques. The serrated gripping panels on the sides provided a secure grip, preventing accidental drops or spills. Within a few hours of use, I was confident that these plates would become a staple in my cell culture workflow.
After the first use, I was pleasantly surprised by the consistency of cell suspension and the minimal evaporation observed. The cells were uniformly distributed throughout the wells, indicating that the surface treatment was truly absent. There were no unexpected issues or complications, only a sense of satisfaction and relief that the experiment was proceeding as planned.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of continuous use, the Corning Falcon 96-Well Cell Culture Plates have consistently delivered reliable performance. The cells maintain a healthy suspension culture, and the results of our differentiation assays have become significantly more consistent and reproducible. The plates continue to perform flawlessly even after prolonged incubation periods.
The plates have proven to be quite durable, showing no signs of warping, cracking, or any other structural damage. The polystyrene material is robust and resistant to the stresses of handling and incubation. Even after repeated use and sterilization, the plates retain their integrity and functionality.
The plates are very easy to clean and maintain. Any residual media or cellular debris can be easily removed with a gentle wash using distilled water and a mild detergent. The plates can be sterilized by autoclaving or by using standard chemical sterilization methods.
Compared to my previous experiences with treated plates, the Corning Falcon plates have significantly outperformed them in terms of promoting suspension culture. The lack of cell attachment has improved the accuracy and reliability of our differentiation assays, saving us time and resources in the long run. These plates have exceeded my expectations and have become an indispensable tool in our lab.
Breaking Down the Features of Corning Falcon 96-Well Cell Culture Plates, 351172 Plates With Untreated Surface, Sterile
Specifications
- Product Name: Corning Falcon 96-Well Cell Culture Plates, 351172 Plates With Untreated Surface, Sterile
- Manufacturer: Corning
- Surface Treatment: Untreated, non-sterile
- Well Volume: 250 µL This volume allows for sufficient media and cell suspension for most standard assays.
- Well Shape: Flat-Bottom The flat bottom ensures even distribution of cells and facilitates accurate optical measurements.
- Color: Clear Clear polystyrene provides excellent visibility for microscopic examination and optical measurements.
- Material: Polystyrene Polystyrene is a biocompatible material that is commonly used in cell culture applications.
- Sterility: Sterile Sterilization ensures that the plates are free from contamination, protecting cell cultures from unwanted microorganisms.
- Plate Features: Deep well design to control contamination, serrated gripping panels, writing patch. These features enhance usability and reliability.
- BD No.: 351172 This product number uniquely identifies these specific plates.
These specifications are crucial for cell culture applications. The untreated surface is designed to prevent cell adhesion, promoting suspension cultures. The sterile environment is essential for preventing contamination.
Performance & Functionality
The Corning Falcon 96-Well Cell Culture Plates perform exceptionally well in their intended role of supporting suspension cell cultures. The untreated surface effectively prevents cell attachment, ensuring that cells remain in suspension throughout the incubation period. The deep well design minimizes evaporation and reduces edge effects, maintaining consistent media volume and cell viability.
The main strength of these plates is their ability to provide a consistent, non-adherent surface for cell cultures. One area for improvement is a more robust lid design to further minimize evaporation. Overall, the plates meet and exceed expectations for suspension cell culture applications.
Design & Ergonomics
The Corning Falcon 96-Well Cell Culture Plates are well-designed with user-friendliness in mind. The polystyrene material provides a sturdy and rigid structure, while remaining lightweight and easy to handle. The serrated gripping panels offer a secure grip, preventing accidental drops or spills.
The plates are easy to use and require minimal training. The writing patch allows for easy labeling and identification. The clear polystyrene provides excellent visibility for microscopic observation.
Durability & Maintenance
The Corning Falcon 96-Well Cell Culture Plates are made from durable polystyrene that can withstand the stresses of handling and incubation. With proper care, these plates can last for multiple uses. They are easy to clean and maintain.
The plates can be sterilized by autoclaving or by using standard chemical sterilization methods. Proper sterilization and handling practices will ensure that the plates remain free from contamination and maintain their functionality.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Corning Falcon 96-Well Cell Culture Plates come with lids to maintain sterility and prevent contamination. While the plates themselves are not customizable, they are compatible with a wide range of accessories commonly used in cell culture, such as multi-channel pipettes, automated liquid handling systems, and microplate readers. The standard 96-well format allows for seamless integration with existing laboratory equipment and workflows.
Pros and Cons of Corning Falcon 96-Well Cell Culture Plates, 351172 Plates With Untreated Surface, Sterile
Pros
- Untreated surface is ideal for suspension cell cultures, preventing cell attachment and promoting uniform suspension.
- Sterile packaging ensures a contamination-free environment for cell cultures.
- Deep well design minimizes evaporation and reduces edge effects, maintaining consistent media volume and cell viability.
- Durable polystyrene material provides a sturdy and rigid structure, ensuring longevity and reliability.
- Serrated gripping panels offer a secure grip, preventing accidental drops or spills.
Cons
- Lid design could be improved to further minimize evaporation.
- The price of $319.99 may be a barrier for some smaller labs or individual researchers.
Who Should Buy Corning Falcon 96-Well Cell Culture Plates, 351172 Plates With Untreated Surface, Sterile?
- Perfect for: Researchers working with suspension cell cultures, such as hematopoietic stem cells, immune cells, and tumor cell lines.
- Also great for: Laboratories performing high-throughput screening assays that require a non-adherent surface.
- Who should skip this product? Researchers working exclusively with adherent cell cultures or those who require a treated surface for cell attachment.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? Multi-channel pipette for efficient media and cell handling, and a reliable incubator with precise temperature and CO2 control.
Conclusion on Corning Falcon 96-Well Cell Culture Plates, 351172 Plates With Untreated Surface, Sterile
The Corning Falcon 96-Well Cell Culture Plates, 351172 Plates With Untreated Surface, Sterile are a reliable and essential tool for researchers working with suspension cell cultures. Their untreated surface, sterile packaging, and deep well design make them an ideal choice for promoting uniform cell suspension and minimizing contamination. While the price may be a consideration for some, the consistent performance and reliable results offered by these plates justify the investment.
I would highly recommend these plates to anyone working with suspension cell cultures or performing high-throughput screening assays. They are a valuable addition to any cell culture lab and will undoubtedly improve the accuracy and reproducibility of your experiments. Take the plunge and experience the difference these plates can make in your research.