FRAMESTAR®  

BENEFITS

• Warp free

• Within SBS footprint pre and post PCR

• Improved seal integrity

• Recommended for low volume PCR

• Thin-wall design for fast PCR

• Reliable use with stackers and liquid handling robots

• Guaranteed well integrity

• Free of human DNA, RNAses and DNases

• Clean-room produced

• Bar coding & Colour options

4titude®’s FrameStar® PCR plates are a two-component design combining the advantages of thin-walled tubes for optimum PCR results and a rigid skirt and deck for reliable precision handling.

For the tubes we use polypropylene which provides the most efficient heat transfer, as well as an inert surface with low binding capabilities for nucleic acids, proteins and other molecules. By using novel injection moulding technology the wall thickness has been reduced without compromising on tube integrity enabling 4titude to offer a superior product for fast PCR and small reaction volumes.

By moulding the plate frame in polycarbonate the mechanical stability of the plate has been greatly improved compared with traditional single piece products. Warping, shrinkage and thermal distortion are eliminated, providing a number of advantages:

• Well spacing and position post PCR remain accurate so that liquid handling devices can reliably add or remove the smallest quantities from the plate.

• Robotic arms can consistently grip and move cycled FrameStar® plates.

• FrameStar® plates will not stick in PCR blocks after PCR or get jammed in the stacker of robotic instruments.

• Improved flatness reduces variation of fluorescent signals in optical assays such as Q-PCR.

• Reduced sample loss due to improved seal integrity

Improved Sealing
In addition FrameStar® technology provides a much-improved level of seal integrity: During PCR, with either heat seals or adhesive seals, the excessive thermal expansion/contraction of standard one-piece polypropylene plates, can have a damaging effect on seal quality. This is especially evident around the edge of the plate where these forces are at their maximum resulting in significant sample evaporation from the outer wells. In contrast, the higher thermal stability of FrameStar® plates results in a reliable seal in all areas of the plate during PCR and in cold storage down to minus 80ºC.

Reduced risk of cross contamination
Raised rims around each tube aid the prevention of cross contamination between samples. This effect is enhanced by the 2 component design of the plates: Capillary effects and the roughened surface of the plate deck provide additional physical barriers for sample droplets and prevent them from reaching adjacent wells.

Fluorescence based Analysis
For experiments involving fluorescence detection, e.g. Q-PCR, we have developed plates which are especially low in autofluorescence. For this type of experiment we recommend to use our plates with white wells and black frames: White wells have shown to maximise signal intensity due to the reflective properties of the pigment. At the same time cross talk between adjacent wells is minimised by the black, light absorbing plate frame and deck. This is a colour combination that cannot be offered by traditional one piece PCR plates.


Manufacturing & Quality Control
FrameStar® plates are produced under clean-room conditions in the most modern injection moulding facilities. Particles, bacterial cells and other contaminants are filtered from the atmosphere so that FrameStar® plates are kept free from any factors which may affect the quality of experimental results. Only virgin polymers are used to avoid the presence of impurities.

Our stringent QC procedures guarantee 100% well integrity and the absence of contaminants:

• Each individual plate well is robotically tested for holes

• Leak tests are performed to test the seal integrity

• Biological test ensure the absence of human DNA, nucleases and other PCR inhibitors.

Bar Coding
FrameStar® plates are available with bar coding. Our labels are tested for PCR compatibility as well as cold storage. They can be applied on any one of the 4 sides of the plate skirt. Different types of bar code are available. Please contact 4titude®
or your local distributor to discuss your individual requirements.

Sealing Options
4titude offers a wide range of sealing options for FrameStar® plates:

• A variety of optical, piercable and peelable heat sealing options for manual and automated use (sheets and rolls respectively).

• Adhesive films and foils including materials for Q-PCR and other fluorescence based applications.

• Domed (4ti-0752) or flat, optical (4ti-0751) cap strips for all 96well plates.

Detailed information on all sealing options can be found on www.4ti.co.uk.

4titude® offers a range of adhesives and heat sealing films and foils. The plate above has been sealed with Clear Adhesive PCR Film, code 4Ti-0500 The plate above shows FrameStar 96 semi-skirted (code 4ti-0730) sealed with flat, optically clear cap strips (code 4ti-0751)

Colour Options
FrameStar® plates are available with purple, blue, red, green, clear and black frames, all with clear tubes. In addition we offer purple plates with white tubes for optical assays.


Plate Compatibility
FrameStar® well plates are compatible with most PCR cyclers, real-time detection systems and sequencers. Please see 4titude’s plate compatibility table for details. http://www.4ti.co.uk/compatibility.html

The plates have been successfully tested for reliable use on most automation platforms. Contact 4titude® for further details.

Automation Platforms:
FrameStar™ plates have been successfully tested for reliable use on most automation platforms, e.g. Beckman, Hamilton, Tecan and Zymark.

Ordering Information