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Multiwell plates and microplates are both laboratory tools used in biological, chemical, and pharmaceutical research. These tools help scientists handle multiple samples at once. Though the terms are often used interchangeably, they have key differences. This article explains these differences clearly, using simple and direct language. It also focuses on the use of 96-well plates, a common format in laboratories.
1. Definition
Microplates:
A microplate is a flat plate with multiple small wells. Each well holds a small amount of liquid. Microplates are made of plastic, glass, or other materials. They come in different formats, such as 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 384, or 1536 wells. The 96-well plate is the most common format used in labs.
Multiwell Plates:
The term “multiwell plate” refers to any plate with more than one well. This includes microplates but also includes larger plates with fewer wells, such as 6-well or 24-well plates. So, all microplates are multiwell plates, but not all multiwell plates are microplates.
2. Structure and Design
Microplates:
Microplates follow standard dimensions. This ensures compatibility with lab equipment like plate readers and automated systems. A standard 96-well plate has 8 rows and 12 columns. Each well is labeled by row (A to H) and column (1 to 12). The wells are small and spaced evenly. This makes them useful for high-throughput testing.
Multiwell Plates:
Multiwell plates vary in design. Some may follow the same format as microplates. Others may have fewer wells and larger volumes. For example, a 6-well plate has six large wells, while a 24-well plate has smaller wells but fewer than a 96-well plate. These plates may not always fit standard machines.
3. Well Volume
96-Well Plates:
Each well in a 96-well plate holds between 100 to 300 microliters. This small volume is enough for many tests. It also reduces the amount of reagent needed, saving cost and time.
Multiwell Plates:
Multiwell plates have a wide range of volumes. A 6-well plate can hold up to 5 milliliters per well. A 24-well plate holds about 2 milliliters per well. These larger volumes are useful for growing cells or performing long-term experiments.