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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

96-well microPLAte

96-well microPLAte

Can I use microPLAtes like a standard 96-well plate?

Yes. For most applications, the microPLAtes are a direct replacement for standard non-treated / medium-bind polystyrene plates, in terms of handling, footprint, and equipment compatibility. No changes to workflows required.

What applications are microPLAtes suitable for?

The microPLAtes (clear, white, black with flat-bottom, non-sterile, non-treated) are suitable for standard assays using non-treated or medium-bind surfaces, including

  • Chemical and biochemical assays
  • Screening and analytical workflows
  • Educational and training labs
  • Sustainability-driven laboratory use cases where sterility is not required

Please note: microPLAtes are not suitable for PCR or applications requiring temperatures above 40 °C.

Can the microPLAte be used with plate readers and automation?

Yes. The microPLAte is compatible with standard plate readers and automated handling systems, provided temperature and application requirements are respected.

What kind of 96-well plate is it?

MicroPLAte is a flat-bottom, non-sterile, no-lid, 96-well plate, designed to meet ANSI/SLAS 1-2004 through ANSI/SLAS 4-2004 standards and fits standard laboratory instruments and automation systems. Technical specifications are available for download.

Is the 96-well microPLAte suitable for cell culture?

No. The microPLAte is not sterile and not intended for cell-culture applications.

Why do clear microPLAtes have a slight natural color?

Clear microPLAtes are manufactured from PLA derived entirely from renewable, plant-based raw materials and contain no added coloring agents. The slight natural coloration comes from the PLA material itself and has no impact on plate performance or assay results.

Do microPLAtes come with lids? Are microPLAtes sterile?

No. microPLAtes are supplied without matching lids and are non-sterile. PLAtes are sealed in bags of 25 each.

Do the black and white microPLAtes have a transparent bottom?

No. Black and white microPLAtes do not have a transparent bottom and are intended for top-read fluorescence and luminescence assays.

Are there any practical considerations when moving from PS to PLA? 

For most applications, switching plates is straightforward. The microPLAtes are resistant to most commonly used laboratory chemicals. Detailed compatibility information is available in our product characterization documents. PLA can be operated in a temperature range between -80°C and +40°C. We recommend reviewing the technical and safety information before use.

Can you heat seal microPLAtes?

Yes. Customers have successfully heat sealed the microPLAte, and we are happy to share additional details. For more information email info@greenebt.com.

Do you have other plate designs (e.g., 384-well or 12-well)?

No. The flat-bottom 96-well microPLAte is our first plate product. We do not currently offer other formats, but we are very interested in hearing what you would like to see next. Please drop us a note at info@greenebt.com.

What are the benefits over polystyrene plates?

PLA (polylactic acid) plates have up to 50% lower carbon emissions, as they’re made from renewable corn starch instead of fossil fuels. At the end-of-life, they release only the CO₂ absorbed by the plants, unlike polystyrene, which emits fossil carbon. Functionally, they perform just like polystyrene plates in standard lab assays. For you this means: Same performance, less emissions.

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Please also refer to our product characterization documents for details.

How do you calculate the carbon dioxide reduction?

The product carbon footprint was calculated using the cradle-to-customer plus end-of-life approach. Emissions along the following life cycle phases were taken into account:

  • Extraction and pre-processing of raw materials and packaging,
  • production,
  • delivery of the product to the customer’s door,
  • and relevant disposal emissions of the product and packaging.

The following graphic displays a comparison of the composition of carbon dioxide emissions between the 96-well microPLAte and a polystyrene plate. If you have questions regarding the life cycle assessment, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Can I recycle the Green Elephant® 96-well microPLAte?

Yes, you can! The PLAte is made entirely of pure PLA, a fully recyclable material. However, it’s important to note that recycling capabilities can differ by region. Before recycling, please check with your local disposal services to confirm they accept PLA. This step ensures your recycling efforts are as effective as possible.

Can the Green Elephant® 96-well microPLAte be used for long-term storage/be frozen?

Yes, the PLA 96-well microPLAte can be effectively used within a temperature range of -80 °C and +40 °C. For more details about its resistance, download our comprehensive product characterization document.

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