Going All In on the Corning BioCoat Cellware, Collagen Type I, 356649 Multiwell Plates 96-Well, Black/Clear
The Corning BioCoat Cellware, Collagen Type I, 356649 Multiwell Plates 96-Well, Black/Clear represents a crucial tool for cell culture, offering a standardized and reliable platform for researchers. These plates, manufactured by Corning, are pre-coated with Collagen Type I, a natural component of the extracellular matrix, designed to promote cell adhesion and proliferation. This eliminates the need for laborious and variable manual coating, saving time and ensuring consistency in experiments.
For years, my research team struggled with inconsistent cell attachment when working with primary hepatocytes. We tried various coating methods, but the results were always variable, leading to wasted reagents and unreliable data. I was seeking a solution that would provide a standardized and reproducible cell culture environment, specifically for cells that are typically challenging to culture on standard plastic surfaces.
Unboxing the Corning BioCoat Cellware, Collagen Type I, 356649 Multiwell Plates 96-Well, Black/Clear, I was immediately impressed by the packaging. Each plate was individually wrapped and sealed, ensuring sterility and preventing contamination. The black/clear design also felt purposeful, the black walls intended to minimize light scatter during fluorescence-based assays.
Prior to discovering these plates, we had experimented with Thermo Fisher Scientific Nunclon Delta Surface 96-Well Plates and Greiner Bio-One CELLSTAR Cell Culture Microplates. While these alternatives offered sterile surfaces, they lacked the crucial Collagen Type I coating. This difference alone promised to significantly improve cell attachment and growth compared to the standard, uncoated plates. My initial excitement stemmed from the anticipation of achieving consistent and reliable cell culture results, reducing experimental variability, and saving precious research time.
Real-World Testing: Putting Corning BioCoat Cellware, Collagen Type I, 356649 Multiwell Plates 96-Well, Black/Clear to the Test
First Use Experience
Our initial testing involved culturing primary human hepatocytes, known for their challenging attachment properties. We seeded the cells into the Corning BioCoat Cellware, Collagen Type I, 356649 Multiwell Plates 96-Well, Black/Clear following Corning’s recommended protocol. The cells were incubated in a standard cell culture incubator at 37°C and 5% CO2.
The plates performed exceptionally well under standard cell culture conditions. The most noticeable difference was the enhanced cell attachment compared to uncoated plates, even after overnight incubation. The cells adhered firmly to the Collagen Type I coating, forming a more confluent monolayer which was essential for our intended downstream assays.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of continuous use, the Corning BioCoat Cellware, Collagen Type I, 356649 Multiwell Plates 96-Well, Black/Clear consistently delivered reliable results. We observed minimal signs of degradation of the Collagen Type I coating over time. The pre-coated nature of the plates significantly reduced the variability in our experiments, which resulted in more robust and reproducible data.
Durability was not a concern, as the plates are designed for single-use cell culture applications. The plates are easy to store, and following basic sterile techniques is all that is required for maintenance and care. These plates significantly outperform our previous methods by providing a consistently superior cell culture environment.
Breaking Down the Features of Corning BioCoat Cellware, Collagen Type I, 356649 Multiwell Plates 96-Well, Black/Clear
Specifications
The Corning BioCoat Cellware, Collagen Type I, 356649 Multiwell Plates 96-Well, Black/Clear has the following specifications:
- Format: 96-Well Microplate – This standard format allows for high-throughput cell culture and screening.
- Surface Coating: Collagen Type I – This promotes enhanced cell attachment and growth of various cell types.
- Well Bottom: Clear – Essential for microscopic observation and absorbance measurements.
- Well Walls: Black – Minimizes light scatter and background interference in fluorescence and luminescence assays.
- Sterility: Sterile – Ensures cell cultures are free from contamination, leading to reliable experimental results.
- Storage Temperature: 4 to 30°C (39 to 86°F) – Offers flexibility in storage without compromising the integrity of the coating.
These specifications contribute significantly to the overall user experience. The Collagen Type I coating, in particular, addresses the issue of poor cell attachment observed in many cell types cultured on standard polystyrene. The black walls enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of assays reliant on optical detection methods.
Performance & Functionality
The Corning BioCoat Cellware, Collagen Type I, 356649 Multiwell Plates 96-Well, Black/Clear excels in promoting cell adhesion and proliferation. The plates are particularly useful for cells that require specific extracellular matrix proteins for optimal growth. The reliability and consistency of these plates far exceeded our expectations.
The primary strength lies in the pre-coated format, which eliminates variability associated with manual coating. The black walls of the wells are excellent for reducing background noise in optical assays, contributing to enhanced data quality. A potential area for improvement could be providing detailed guidance on optimal seeding densities for various cell types.
Design & Ergonomics
The Corning BioCoat Cellware, Collagen Type I, 356649 Multiwell Plates 96-Well, Black/Clear is designed for optimal cell culture. The plates are made from high-quality polystyrene. The industry standard format ensures compatibility with automated liquid handling systems.
The plates require no specialized training, making them accessible to researchers with varying levels of experience. The clear well bottoms facilitate easy microscopic observation of cells.
Durability & Maintenance
The plates are designed for single-use, eliminating the need for cleaning or sterilization. The Corning BioCoat Cellware, Collagen Type I, 356649 Multiwell Plates 96-Well, Black/Clear have a shelf life of six months from the date of shipment, when stored properly. Proper storage is critical to maintaining the integrity of the Collagen Type I coating and the sterility of the plates.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Corning BioCoat Cellware, Collagen Type I, 356649 Multiwell Plates 96-Well, Black/Clear are designed for use with standard cell culture equipment. There are no specific accessories required beyond standard cell culture reagents. While no customization options exist for the plates themselves, they can be readily integrated with various cell-based assays and high-throughput screening systems.
The plates are compatible with a wide range of detection systems, including fluorescence readers, absorbance readers, and microscopes. This versatility allows researchers to utilize existing laboratory equipment without requiring additional investment.
Pros and Cons of Corning BioCoat Cellware, Collagen Type I, 356649 Multiwell Plates 96-Well, Black/Clear
Pros
- Enhanced Cell Attachment: The Collagen Type I coating significantly improves cell adhesion, crucial for many cell types.
- Consistent Results: Pre-coating eliminates variability, leading to more reproducible and reliable data.
- Black Walls: Reduce light scatter in fluorescence and luminescence assays, improving data quality.
- Sterile Packaging: Ensures contamination-free cell cultures.
- Ready-to-Use: Saves time and effort by eliminating the need for manual coating.
Cons
- Cost: Pre-coated plates are generally more expensive than uncoated plates.
- Limited Customization: No options for alternative coatings or well formats beyond what Corning offers.
Who Should Buy Corning BioCoat Cellware, Collagen Type I, 356649 Multiwell Plates 96-Well, Black/Clear?
The Corning BioCoat Cellware, Collagen Type I, 356649 Multiwell Plates 96-Well, Black/Clear are perfect for cell biology researchers. Anyone working with cell types that exhibit poor adhesion on standard plastic surfaces will also benefit greatly. These plates are ideal for high-throughput screening applications and fluorescence-based assays, offering a reliable and consistent platform for cell culture.
If your research primarily involves robust cell lines that readily adhere to standard plastic, the added cost of pre-coated plates may not be justified. Also, if you require specialized coatings beyond Collagen Type I, you may need to explore alternative coating methods or suppliers. Must-have modifications or accessories would include a reliable cell culture incubator and appropriate detection systems for your specific assays.
Conclusion on Corning BioCoat Cellware, Collagen Type I, 356649 Multiwell Plates 96-Well, Black/Clear
Overall, the Corning BioCoat Cellware, Collagen Type I, 356649 Multiwell Plates 96-Well, Black/Clear have proven to be an invaluable tool in our lab. The enhanced cell attachment, consistent results, and ease of use make them well worth the investment. The price is justified by the time saved and the improved data quality.
I would highly recommend these plates to any researcher seeking to improve the consistency and reliability of their cell culture experiments. Corning has delivered a product that truly simplifies cell culture, enabling researchers to focus on their core scientific objectives. Try the Corning BioCoat Cellware, Collagen Type I, 356649 Multiwell Plates 96-Well, Black/Clear and experience the difference for yourself!