Cell culture plates come in various types, primarily differentiated by the shape of their bottom—flat-bottom or round-bottom (U-shaped or V-shaped). They also vary in the number of wells, such as 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 384, and even 1536. Common types include Terasaki plates and standard cell culture plates. The choice depends on the type of cells being cultured, the volume required, and the experiment's purpose.
Flat-bottom plates are typically used for adherent cells, while round-bottom plates, especially U-shaped or V-shaped, are preferred for suspension cells. U-shaped plates are commonly used for suspension cultures, whereas V-shaped plates are occasionally used in immunological hemagglutination experiments. When working with small numbers of cells, such as in cloning, a 96-well flat-bottom plate is often chosen. For assays like MTT, flat-bottom plates are generally more suitable for both adherent and suspension cells. However, U or V-shaped plates may be necessary for specific experimental needs, such as when two types of lymphocytes need to interact closely, which is why U-shaped plates are often used. In some cases, V-shaped plates are preferred for cell-killing experiments to bring target cells into close contact, though this can sometimes be achieved with U-shaped plates after centrifugation.
Round-bottom plates are not ideal for absorbance measurements due to their curved surface, which makes it difficult to accurately read optical density. Flat-bottom plates are more common for cell culture because they provide a clear view under the microscope, uniform liquid levels, and are well-suited for MTT assays. Round-bottom plates are mainly used for isotope incorporation experiments where cells need to be collected using a cell harvester, such as in mixed lymphocyte cultures.
Common questions about cell culture plates include choosing the right well size. For example, 6-well plates are often used for flow-type experiments, 96-well plates for MTT assays, and 24-well plates for cell climbing experiments. Terasaki plates are specifically designed for crystallography research, with features that allow for better observation of crystal structures. These plates are made from materials that facilitate crystal growth and analysis.
When measuring absorbance with a microplate reader, flat-bottom plates are usually preferred. While cell culture plates can be used for protein quantification and MTT assays, ELISA plates are more specialized and typically not suitable for cell culture. It's important to consider the liquid volume added to each well, as too much can interfere with gas exchange and lead to contamination during handling.
Sealing and preventing contamination is crucial. Plates should be handled under sterile conditions, and lids should be kept secure but not overly tight to allow for proper COâ‚‚ exchange. If using semi-open plates, maintaining high humidity in the incubator is essential to prevent evaporation. Covering unused wells during operations can help reduce contamination risks.
Uneven cell distribution is a common issue. Cells may gather at the edges due to centrifugal force or improper mixing. To improve distribution, gently pipette the cell suspension along the side of the well, avoid shaking the plate, and ensure even mixing before seeding. Some users have found that pre-saturating the plate in the incubator before adding cells helps promote even adhesion.
For 6-well plates, uneven cell growth in certain wells could be due to temperature differences, poor cell health, or issues with the plate itself. Ensuring the medium is warmed to 37°C before use and checking the incubator’s stability can help resolve these problems. Similarly, in 24-well plates, uneven cell distribution might be caused by insufficient liquid volume or excessive shaking during inoculation. Proper technique, including careful pipetting and avoiding over-drying of the medium, can significantly improve results.
In summary, selecting the right cell culture plate involves understanding the nature of the cells, the experimental goals, and the technical requirements. Each plate type has its advantages and limitations, and optimizing your workflow can greatly enhance the success of your experiments.
Marble Console Table
luxury console table,console table modern luxury,marble table
Kumusi (Dongguan) Furniture Co., Ltd. , https://www.coombesfurniture.com