Multiwell plate having transparent well bottoms and method for making the multiwell plate

Abstract

A multiwell plate is described that is used for assaying samples and is made from a plastic upper plate which forms the sidewalls of one or more wells and a tranparent lower plate which forms the bottom walls of the wells. The upper plate and lower plate are attached and bound to one another by a series of rings. Also described herein is a method for making such multiwell plates.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multiwell plate in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the multiwell plate shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an upper plate portion of the multiwell plate of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective partial view of a portion of the upper plate portion shown in FIG. 3.

Claims

1. A multiwell plate for use in assaying samples, comprising: a frame that forms sidewalls of a plurality of wells, the frame having a bottom surface that interconnects said wells;at least one raised ring extending from said bottom surface of said frame and circumscribing at least one of said wells;a layer that forms a bottom wall of the at least one well, the layer having a top surface, wherein said frame and said layer are attached such that said top surface of said layer contacts and bonds to said raised ring.

2. The multiwell plate of claim 1, wherein said frame and said layer are attached and bound to one another by an adhesive.

3. The multiwell plate of claim 1, wherein each said well is circumscribed by said raised ring.

4. The multiwell plate of claim 3, wherein said rings are independent of one another and do not overlap or intersect.

5. The multiwell plate of claim 1, wherein said frame further comprises a peripheral skirt having a lower rim.

6. The multiwell plate of claim 5, wherein said lower rim does not contact said layer along its entire periphery, thereby allowing open communication between an outside environment and a gap between said upper plate and said lower plate.

7. The multiwell plate of claim 1, further comprising a step as defined by a relatively larger inner circumference of said raised ring and a relatively smaller circumference of said well.

8. The multiwell plate of claim 1 whereby said raised ring is set back from said well a predetermined distance thereby creating a step along the bottom surface bounded by an internal circumference of said raised ring and a circumference of said well.

9. A frame that forms sidewalls of a plurality of wells for use in the manufacture of a microplate comprising: a bottom surface that interconnects said wells; andat least one raised ring extending from said bottom surface of said frame and circumscribing at least one of said wells.

10. A method for making a multiwell plate, said method comprising the steps of: providing an upper plate that forms sidewalls of at least one well, said upper plate having a bottom surface, said upper plate having a plurality of raised rings extending from said bottom surface;providing a lower plate that forms a bottom wall of the at least one well, said lower plate having a top surface; andjoining said upper plate to said lower plate such that said raised rings alone contact said top surface of said lower plate.