Microtiter plate

Microtiter plates are plastic sample holders used in biology or chemistry research facilities. The microtiter plate standard was formalized by the Society for Biomolecular Screening (SBS) in 1996. It typically has 96, 384 or even 1536 sample wells arranged in a 2:3 rectangular matrix. The standard governs well dimensions (e.g. diameter, spacing and depth) as well as plate properties (e.g. dimensions and rigidity).

A number of companies have developed robots to specifically handle SBS microplates. These robots may be liquid handlers which aspirate or dispense liquid samples from and to these plates, or "plate movers" which transport them between instruments.

Instrument companies have designed plate readers which can detect specific biological, chemical or physical events in samples stored in these plates.

External links

• Society for Biomolecular Screening
• A sample image of some 96-well microtiter plates
• IKA Laboratory Equipment