Taking the **Whatman UNIPLATE Collection and Analysis Microplates, Whatman 7701-5102 Natural Polypropylene Plates, Round Bottom, Pack of 25** for a Spin
As a seasoned gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments, I’ve developed a keen eye for what works and what doesn’t in the trenches of practical application. When my lab’s workflow hit a bottleneck with sample collection and analysis, I found myself needing a reliable and robust solution for filtrate collection and general microplate applications. This led me to the Whatman UNIPLATE Collection and Analysis Microplates, Whatman 7701-5102 Natural Polypropylene Plates, Round Bottom, Pack of 25. Manufactured by Whatman, a name synonymous with quality filtration and laboratory consumables, these plates promised to streamline our processes. My initial impression was one of pragmatic optimism; the natural polypropylene construction felt sturdy, and the round bottom design immediately suggested efficient sample recovery. I had briefly considered generic, unbranded alternatives, but the known quality assurance from Whatman ultimately swayed my decision. There was a definite sense of relief in acquiring a solution that promised to address our specific laboratory needs.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Whatman UNIPLATE Collection and Analysis Microplates, Whatman 7701-5102 Natural Polypropylene Plates, Round Bottom, Pack of 25** to the Test
First Use Experience
My testing primarily took place on a standard laboratory bench, integrating these plates into our daily experimental routines. The environment involved controlled temperature and humidity, but also the usual activity of sample transfers, pipetting, and occasional accidental bumps. I specifically focused on how these plates performed under repeated use for filtrate collection after filtration steps, as well as for basic cell growth and homogenous assays.
Performance in this controlled yet active setting was surprisingly consistent. The polypropylene material proved resilient, showing no signs of degradation or warping even after being filled and emptied multiple times over a week. The round bottom wells were instrumental in minimizing residual sample volume, a critical factor when working with precious or costly reagents.
Ease of use was immediately apparent. These microplates fit seamlessly into our existing automated plate handlers and microplate readers without any adjustment. There was no discernible learning curve; they performed as expected straight out of the box.
One minor surprise was the rigidity of the plates. While this contributed to their durability, it also meant they were less forgiving if dropped directly onto a hard surface, though I thankfully didn’t experience any catastrophic failures from drops during my testing period.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several weeks of consistent use, the performance of these Whatman microplates remained exceptionally stable. They became a standard part of our workflow for various downstream applications, including ELISA assays and sample archiving.
Durability has been a standout feature of these units. Despite constant contact with a range of aqueous solutions and mild organic solvents, there have been no signs of cracks, stiffness, or any compromise in the well integrity. The material has maintained its clarity, which is essential for visual inspection and optical readings.
Maintenance and care for these plates are straightforward, as one would expect from a laboratory consumable. They are designed for single-use in many high-throughput screening applications, but their robust construction means they can be reliably reused for certain less stringent tasks after appropriate cleaning. Storing them is simple due to their standardized dimensions, and care mainly involves avoiding harsh abrasives that could scratch the surfaces.
Compared to some cheaper, unbranded alternatives I’ve encountered, these Whatman plates significantly outperform in terms of consistency and robustness. While premium options might offer specific surface treatments for cell adhesion, for general collection and analysis, these provide a superior balance of performance and value.
Breaking Down the Features of **Whatman UNIPLATE Collection and Analysis Microplates, Whatman 7701-5102 Natural Polypropylene Plates, Round Bottom, Pack of 25**
Specifications
The Whatman UNIPLATE Collection and Analysis Microplates, Whatman 7701-5102 Natural Polypropylene Plates, Round Bottom, Pack of 25 are precisely engineered for laboratory applications. Each plate features 24 wells, which is a common format for many analytical instruments. The well volume is a generous 10 mL, providing ample capacity for sample collection, storage, or reaction volumes.
These plates are constructed from natural polypropylene, a material known for its chemical resistance, durability, and low binding properties, making it suitable for a wide range of biological and chemical samples. The round bottom design is a key functional specification, ensuring maximum sample recovery by minimizing liquid retention in the wells. The product number 7701-5102 is the specific identifier for this particular configuration. Each unit is conveniently packaged in a pack of 25, offering a practical quantity for many laboratory settings without excessive waste or storage burden. This size is ideal for moderate experimental throughputs.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of core functionality, these microplates perform their intended roles admirably. Their primary job, filtrate collection and analysis, is handled with exceptional efficiency. The 10 mL capacity allows for substantial sample volumes, reducing the need for multiple transfers or smaller containers.
The round bottom wells are a significant advantage for sample recovery, ensuring that virtually all the collected liquid can be pipetted out. This is crucial in preventing loss of valuable reagents or analytes, especially in research or diagnostic applications where every milligram counts. The polypropylene material itself demonstrates good chemical compatibility with many common laboratory reagents, although extreme solvents might require checking specific resistance charts.
Strengths include the consistent well geometry, which ensures reliable performance in automated readers and pipetting systems. Their durability also means they can withstand moderate centrifugation without deformation, a common requirement in sample processing. A slight weakness, common to most rigid plasticware, is their potential to crack if subjected to significant impact or extreme temperatures, but this is generally not an issue in standard lab conditions.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of these Whatman plates is classic and highly functional for laboratory work. The natural polypropylene material gives them a slightly translucent appearance, which can be helpful for visual inspection of contents. The overall build quality feels solid; the plates are rigid and do not flex excessively during handling or when filled.
Ergonomically, they are designed to be handled easily. The standard microplate footprint means they fit comfortably in most lab equipment and are straightforward to pick up and place. The uniform well depth and spacing are critical for accurate pipetting, whether manual or automated.
Practical design elements like the consistent wall thickness and the smooth finish of the wells contribute to their reliable performance. There are no complex controls or grips, as their use is typically within automated systems or straightforward manual pipetting tasks. The simplicity of the design is a major part of their appeal, reducing potential points of failure or user error.
Durability & Maintenance
These Whatman UNIPLATE Collection and Analysis Microplates are designed for a balance of durability and convenience. For typical laboratory applications, especially those involving filtration and sample collection, they are exceptionally durable and can often be reused if not requiring sterile conditions or surface treatments. The polypropylene material resists scratching and chemical degradation under normal lab conditions.
Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving cleaning if reuse is intended. For single-use applications, maintenance is non-existent, as they are disposed of after use, which is a key feature for many research and diagnostic workflows. Potential failure points are rare but could include cracking from dropping or exposure to solvents outside the material’s recommended resistance range.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Whatman UNIPLATE Collection and Analysis Microplates, Whatman 7701-5102 Natural Polypropylene Plates, Round Bottom, Pack of 25 come as a complete solution for their intended purpose; no additional accessories are typically required for basic collection and analysis. They are designed to be compatible with standard laboratory equipment like microplate readers, automated pipettors, and plate stackers.
While these specific plates do not offer direct customization like interchangeable components, the choice of a round bottom versus a flat bottom, or different well counts, provides functional customization for different assay needs. The natural polypropylene itself is a wise choice for broad compatibility. For advanced applications, Whatman offers specialized microplates with surface treatments (e.g., for cell culture), but these are geared towards general use.
Pros and Cons of **Whatman UNIPLATE Collection and Analysis Microplates, Whatman 7701-5102 Natural Polypropylene Plates, Round Bottom, Pack of 25**
Pros
- Reliable filtrate collection: The round bottom wells ensure excellent sample recovery, minimizing residual liquid.
- Robust construction: Made from durable natural polypropylene, these plates withstand regular lab use and moderate chemical exposure.
- Good capacity: The 10 mL well volume is ample for many collection and analysis tasks.
- Broad compatibility: Fits standard microplate readers and automated handling systems, integrating seamlessly into existing workflows.
- Practical packaging: A pack of 25 provides a convenient quantity for many laboratory needs, balancing usage and waste.
Cons
- Not sterile out-of-the-box: For applications requiring absolute sterility, additional sterilization steps or specialized sterile plates would be necessary.
- Potential for cracking: While durable, dropping on hard surfaces could lead to breakage, a common trait for rigid plasticware.
- Limited advanced features: Does not include surface treatments for specific cell culture needs or other highly specialized applications.
Who Should Buy **Whatman UNIPLATE Collection and Analysis Microplates, Whatman 7701-5102 Natural Polypropylene Plates, Round Bottom, Pack of 25**?
These microplates are an excellent choice for laboratory technicians, researchers, and scientists working in fields such as analytical chemistry, environmental testing, and general life science research. They are particularly well-suited for tasks involving filtrate collection from various filtration processes and for performing homogenous assays. If your lab frequently handles sample archiving, basic cell culture where sterility is managed separately, or requires efficient liquid handling in multi-well formats, these plates will serve you well.
Those who should likely skip this product are individuals or institutions requiring pre-sterilized plates for sensitive cell culture or diagnostic assays right out of the package. Additionally, if your work demands specialized well surface treatments for optimal cell adhesion or ultra-low binding of specific biomolecules, you might need to explore more specialized Whatman offerings.
For those purchasing these, I’d recommend ensuring you have appropriate pipetting equipment that can accurately dispense and aspirate from 10 mL wells. If sample evaporation is a concern, consider a compatible microplate sealing film or lid.
Conclusion on **Whatman UNIPLATE Collection and Analysis Microplates, Whatman 7701-5102 Natural Polypropylene Plates, Round Bottom, Pack of 25**
The Whatman UNIPLATE Collection and Analysis Microplates, Whatman 7701-5102 Natural Polypropylene Plates, Round Bottom, Pack of 25 stand out as a highly reliable and practical solution for general laboratory collection and analysis tasks. Their robust construction from natural polypropylene, coupled with the functional design of round bottom wells and a substantial 10 mL capacity, makes them a dependable workhorse. Considering the pack of 25 and the overall performance, the value proposition is strong for most academic and industrial research labs.
I would confidently recommend these microplates for their intended use cases, particularly where efficient sample recovery and compatibility with standard lab equipment are paramount. If your workflow involves straightforward filtrate collection or homogenous assays and you manage sterility separately, these Whatman plates are a solid, cost-effective choice that will not disappoint.