What Are 96 Well Plates Used For?

96-well microplates—also known as deep well polypropylene microplates—are a cornerstone of modern life science laboratories. These plates are widely used for sample storage, preparation, and high-throughput analysis, especially in LC-MS workflows. Their standardized ANSI/SBS format ensures compatibility with robotic liquid handlers, plate readers, and automated systems, making them an ideal choice for applications that demand both precision and efficiency.

Common Uses of 96 Well Plates

In both research and industrial laboratories, 96-well plates are used in:

• High-throughput LC-MS sample preparation and analysis
• Automated liquid handling systems
• Sample collection and compound storage
• Combinatorial chemistry experiments
• Screening and purification assays

The ability to process multiple samples simultaneously makes 96-well plates essential for accelerating analytical workflows and improving reproducibility.

Are All 96 Well Plates Made the Same?

Not all 96-well microplates are created equal. The quality of the polypropylene material used in manufacturing has a direct impact on chemical compatibility, cleanliness, and long-term sample integrity.

While polypropylene is generally inert and heat-resistant, lower-grade materials often contain chemical additives—such as mold release agents and flow improvers—that can leach into samples, especially when exposed to organic solvents like methanol or DMSO. This contamination risk can compromise sensitive analyses and lead to inaccurate data.

Chrom Tech 96 Well Microplates are made from virgin polypropylene, ensuring the highest purity and minimal extractables. They are tested in a DNase/RNase-free environment and suitable for storage at temperatures as low as -80°C, making them ideal for long-term sample preservation in analytical and life science applications.

Common Types of 96 Well Microplates for LCMS

Deep Well Square Microplates

Our deep well square microplates are precision-molded from virgin polypropylene with tight tolerances for reproducibility. These plates feature a V-bottom design that allows for complete liquid removal, partial collection, and efficient re-suspension of samples. The smooth interior and lack of inner edges aid in magnetic bead collection and mixing uniformity. Available in a variety of working volumes from 350 µL to 2 mL per well, these plates also include raised rims for optimal heat sealing.

While Chrom Tech primarily offers non-sterile configurations, sterile options are available upon request. Contact us for a quote tailored to your application.

Deep Well Round Microplates

Our 96-well deep round microplates combine precision engineering with practical versatility. Made from virgin polypropylene and tested for low extractables, these plates are also manufactured in a DNase/RNase-free environment. Two design options are available:

• Rimmed version – prevents cross-contamination and supports heat sealing films.
• Non-rimmed version – allows insertion of glass vials or inserts for specialized workflows.

The round-bottom design enhances mixing efficiency and sample recovery, making it ideal for LC-MS and bioanalytical applications.

Deep Well Common Wall Microplates

For maximum sample capacity, Chrom Tech’s common wall 96-well deep round plates are engineered for maximum working volume while maintaining ANSI/SLAS footprint compatibility. Each well has a total capacity of 2.075 mL with a working volume of 1.85 mL—the highest in its class. The “common wall” design minimizes the overall height to just 45 mm while maximizing usable volume. This innovative design delivers the best balance between throughput, volume, and compatibility with automated platforms.

Why Choose Chrom Tech 96 Well Microplates?

At Chrom Tech, our 96-well plates are designed to meet the rigorous demands of analytical and life science laboratories. Each plate is:

• Manufactured from virgin polypropylene for low extractables
• DNase/RNase-free for sample integrity
• Compatible with automation systems and robotic handlers
• Tested for performance in LC-MS workflows
• Available in multiple configurations—square, round, and common wall

In addition to 96-well plates, Chrom Tech offers complementary products such as PCR plates, 96-well ELISA plates, and reservoir trough plates to support your complete analytical workflow. For questions or assistance selecting the right microplate for your application, please contact our support team.