THE PLASTIC microplate is such a standard feature of the modern laboratory that the advantages of other materials for specific applications might be forgotten.
Aluminium microplate system from Finneran promises better thermal conductivity
JG Finneran says its 96-well aluminium microplates are the preferred choice for lab work where uniform sample heating and cooling is required, such as solubility testing, salt screening, and freeze-drying. In these circumstances, the mechanical strength of the metal, combined with its high thermal conductivity, make aluminium a better choice than plastic.
Finneran’s 96-well aluminium plates are designed to hold 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0ml vials, and enable thorough immersion in heating or cooling baths. Base plates and covers are machined from anodised aluminium, preventing finger smudges and discolouration, and are stamped for easy identification. The system is said to be compatible with all liquid handling systems.
“Medicinal chemists need a reusable product with excellent heat transfer for solubility and salt selection studies”, says Janet Cohen, Finneran’s international sales and marketing manager. “About half of all drug molecules are administered as salts, so this product may be adopted in many drug development assays”.