96-well plates—often referred to as deep well polypropylene microplates—are widely used in modern analytical laboratories for sample preparation, storage, and high-throughput LC-MS analysis. Their standardized ANSI/SLAS footprint ensures compatibility with automated liquid handling systems, robotic sample processors, plate readers, and laboratory automation platforms.
Because each plate contains 96 individual wells arranged in a uniform grid, laboratories can process dozens of samples simultaneously. This high-throughput format makes 96-well plates essential for workflows that require efficient sample preparation, automated handling, and reproducible analytical results.
Common Uses of 96-Well Plates
In analytical chemistry, life science research, and industrial laboratories, 96-well plates are commonly used for:
- High-throughput LC-MS sample preparation and analysis
- Automated liquid handling workflows
- Sample collection and compound storage
- Combinatorial chemistry experiments
- Screening and purification assays
The ability to process multiple samples in parallel allows laboratories to significantly increase throughput while maintaining consistent and reproducible analytical workflows.
Are All 96-Well Plates the Same?
Although most 96-well plates are manufactured from polypropylene, the purity and quality of the polymer used can vary significantly between manufacturers.
Polypropylene is generally chemically resistant and suitable for organic solvents used in LC-MS workflows. However, lower-grade polypropylene materials may contain processing additives such as mold release agents or flow improvers. These compounds can potentially leach into samples—especially when exposed to solvents such as methanol or DMSO—and may interfere with sensitive analytical measurements.
Chrom Tech 96-well microplates are manufactured using virgin polypropylene to minimize extractables and contamination risk. Plates are produced in a DNase/RNase-free environment and can be stored at temperatures as low as -80 °C, making them suitable for both analytical chemistry and life science sample storage.
Common Types of 96-Well Plates Used in LC-MS
Deep Well Square Microplates
Deep well square microplates are precision molded from virgin polypropylene with tight manufacturing tolerances for reproducible results. Their V-bottom well design supports complete liquid removal, partial sample collection, and efficient re-suspension.
The smooth interior surfaces and absence of inner edges help support magnetic bead collection and uniform mixing. These plates are available in working volumes ranging from approximately 350 µL to 2 mL per well and feature raised rims to support reliable heat sealing.
Deep Well Round Microplates
96-well deep round microplates provide strong mixing performance and efficient sample recovery. Manufactured from virgin polypropylene and tested for low extractables, they are suitable for demanding LC-MS and bioanalytical workflows.
Two configurations are available:
- Rimmed plates – designed to prevent cross-contamination and support heat-seal films.
- Non-rimmed plates – allow insertion of glass vials or inserts for specialized sample preparation workflows.
The round well geometry promotes improved mixing efficiency and sample recovery.
Deep Well Common Wall Microplates
Common wall deep well plates are engineered to maximize working volume while maintaining standard ANSI/SLAS compatibility with automated laboratory systems.
Each well has a total capacity of approximately 2.075 mL with a working volume of 1.85 mL. The common wall design minimizes overall plate height to about 45 mm while maximizing usable sample volume.
This configuration provides an optimal balance between high sample capacity, automation compatibility, and efficient laboratory throughput.
Why Laboratories Choose Chrom Tech 96-Well Microplates
Chrom Tech 96-well plates are engineered for the demanding requirements of LC-MS, analytical chemistry, and life science laboratories. Key features include:
- Manufactured from virgin polypropylene for minimal extractables
- DNase/RNase-free production for sample integrity
- Compatible with robotic automation systems
- Validated for performance in LC-MS workflows
- Available in multiple formats including square, round, and common wall designs
Chrom Tech also offers related laboratory consumables such as PCR plates, ELISA plates, and reservoir trough plates to support complete sample preparation and analytical workflows.