Drug Screening has undergone rapid development over the past few years. The number of tests with new targets and the number of active agents to be tested is constantly increasing. These changes mean that volume reduction, simple testing methods, and cost savings are some of the highest priorities for researchers. High format microplates with low well volumes are one step towards achieving these goals. One of the first higher format microplates was the 384 well plate, launched by Greiner Bio-One in 1994/1995. Compared with the standard 96 well plate, there is a volume reduction from 382 µl to 131µl, the well-to-well spacing is 4.5 mm (96 well plate: 9 mm), and the external dimensions of the 384 well microplates are compatible with standard equipment and automated systems.
384 well plates are available with a wide variety of surface treatments that suit every need. The spectrum ranges from tissue culture plates for classic and sensitive cells to ELISA/immunology and biochemical assay plates. The portfolio includes formats in clear, black and white opaque or µClear® ultra-thin film bottom, as well as a full range of polypropylene microplates for sample storage and dilution. Specialty microplates, such as glass bottom microplates and ultra-low well base SCREENSTAR™ plate and for imaging or high content screening and UV-Star® products for transmittance in the lower UV wavelength range, are also available.
The 384 well microplates are available as black and white clear bottom plates (µClear®), in FLUOTRAC™, LUMITRAC™, MICROLON®, CELLSTAR®, UV-Star® or non-binding quality.