1. Field
The present disclosure relates generally to microtiter plates, also known as microplates, and more particularly to reinforced microplates and their methods of manufacture. The reinforced microplates are adapted for use with automated equipment and can withstand thermal cycling without unacceptable deformation.
2. Technical Background
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) processes involve the replication of genetic material such as DNA and RNA. In both industry and academia, PCR processes are carried out on a large scale using multi-well microplates (e.g., 8 well strips or 96, 384 or even 1536 well arrays). It is desirable to have an apparatus that allows the PCR process to be performed in an efficient and convenient fashion.
Because of their ease of handling and relatively low cost, microplates are often used for sample containment during the PCR process. Microplates may also be used in other research and clinical diagnostic procedures. Reference is made to
In accordance with the PCR process, a small quantity of genetic material and a solution of reactants are deposited within each well 102. The microplate 100 is then placed in a thermocycler, which operates to increase and decrease the temperature of the contents within the wells. In an example PCR process, the microplate 100 is placed on a metal heating fixture within the thermocycler. To provide good thermal contact and precise temperature control, the heating fixture is sized and shaped to closely conform to the underside of the microplate 100 and, in particular, to the exterior surface portion of the wells 102. A heated top plate of the thermocycler clamps the microplate onto the heating fixture while the well contents are repeatedly heated and cooled.
Because the microplate 100 is typically made from a non-thermally conductive polymeric material, the walls 105 of the wells 102 are configured to be as thin as possible to enable the thermocycler to effectively heat and cool the well contents. As a result, however, the relatively thin well walls 105 tend to deform in response to the repeated thermal cycling. In addition, the plate body may deform and even thermally degrade. Such degradation may further contribute to warping or twisting of the plate. In order to accommodate the deformation, conventional microplates are formed using relatively non-rigid materials such as polypropylene. Unfortunately, polypropylene tends to strain in response to thermally-induced stress.
As a result of the deformation of the relatively thin well walls 105 and the tendency of the microplate body 106 to change dimensions during thermal cycling, it may be difficult to remove a traditional microplate from the thermocycler. Notably, as the number of wells 102 (and the overall size) of the microplate 100 increases, the force required to remove a deformed microplate 100 from the thermocycler increases, which may cause further damage. Moreover, robotic handling systems may have difficulty manipulating the microplate 100 and removing it from the thermocycler.
Additionally, when microplates are subjected to thermal cycling and/or other analytical or processing steps, such microplates are frequently covered with a cover or sealed with a sealing film to inhibit evaporation of contents within the wells. In certain instances, however, seals may lose or lack contact in one or more locations, thereby subjecting contents of wells to undesirable evaporation.
Accordingly, there is a need for a microplate free of the aforementioned shortcomings.
In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, a microplate is provided comprising a body having a first surface and an opposing second surface defining a deck, the body including a plurality of wells formed in the deck and extending from the second surface, a frame peripheral to the plurality of wells, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs formed integral to the body and extending from the second surface. Optionally, a stress-relieving slot may be formed in each opposing length of the frame.
In accordance with additional aspects of the present disclosure, a microplate comprises a body including a first surface and an opposing second surface defining a deck, a plurality of wells extending from the second surface, a peripheral deck portion laterally surrounding the plurality of wells, and a frame surrounding the peripheral deck portion. The peripheral deck portion comprises a plurality of locally increased peripheral deck thickness regions formed integral to the body, extending from the second surface, and configured to enhance stiffness of the microplate.
In accordance with additional aspects of the present disclosure, a microplate comprises a body including a first surface and an opposing second surface defining a deck, a plurality of wells extending from the second surface, a peripheral deck portion laterally surrounding the plurality of wells, and a frame surrounding the peripheral deck portion. The peripheral deck portion comprises a plurality of locally increased peripheral deck thickness regions formed integral to the body and comprising a plurality of dots, extending from the second surface, and configured to enhance stiffness of the microplate.
In accordance with additional aspects of the present disclosure, a microplate comprises a body including a first surface and an opposing second surface defining a deck, a plurality of wells extending from the second surface, a peripheral deck portion laterally surrounding the plurality of wells, and a frame surrounding the peripheral deck portion. Additionally, the frame comprises at least one wall arranged non-parallel to the deck, the at least one wall comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner surface comprises a plurality of locally increased wall thickness regions configured to enhance stiffness of the microplate.
In accordance with additional aspects of the present disclosure, a microplate comprises a body including a first surface and an opposing second surface defining a deck, a plurality of wells extending from the second surface, a peripheral deck portion laterally surrounding the plurality of wells, and a frame surrounding the peripheral deck portion. Each well of the plurality of wells comprises a raised rim including a top surface elevated above the first surface, an intermediate surface arranged between the top surface and the first surface, an inner transition surface extending between the intermediate surface and the top surface, and an outer transition surface extending between the intermediate surface and the top surface. Additionally, an angle between the inner transition surface and the top surface is in a range of from 100 to 170 degrees, and an angle between the outer transition surface and the top surface is in a range of from 100 to 170 degrees.
In accordance with additional aspects of the present disclosure, a microplate comprises a body including a first surface and an opposing second surface defining a deck, a plurality of wells extending from the second surface, a peripheral deck portion laterally surrounding the plurality of wells, and a frame surrounding the peripheral deck portion. Each well of the plurality of wells comprises a raised rim including a top surface elevated above the first surface, and the microplate further comprises at least one elevated sealing feature extending from the first surface, and being arranged between corners of the deck and the plurality of wells.
Additional features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the subject matter of the present disclosure as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the subject matter of the present disclosure as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the subject matter of the present disclosure, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Additionally, the drawings and descriptions are meant to be merely illustrative, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any manner.
The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present disclosure can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
Reference will now be made in greater detail to various embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure, some embodiments of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.
A microplate comprises a unitary body having reinforcing features that enhance stiffness and minimize deformation of the microplate, especially thermally-induced deformation. In certain embodiments, reinforcing features include a plurality of locally increased thickness regions formed integral to the unitary body of the microplate. Recognizing that injection molding may desirably be used for producing microplates, the use of multiple locally increased thickness regions is preferable over producing large continuous regions of increased thickness, since large continuous regions of increased thickness tend to result in formation of bubbles during the molding process, and such bubbles may lead to manufacturing defects.
In certain embodiments, one or more portions of a deck of a microplate include a plurality of locally increased thickness regions. For example, reinforcing features including locally increased thickness regions are provided on a bottom surface of a microplate, such as along peripheral deck portions laterally surrounding a plurality of wells extending from the deck, and/or between individual wells of the plurality of wells. In certain embodiments, the reinforcing features include ribs or struts that are integrally formed on a bottom surface of the microplate. Further, the frame of the microplate can include one or more slots that disrupt the effects of thermal expansion and limit thermally-induced strain. In embodiments, the microplate is made by injection molding in a 1-shot process and thus comprises a single polymer material. The slots may be formed in situ, i.e., via the molding process. Alternatively, the slots may be formed after molding the microplate such as by cutting the frame.
Referring again to
Referring to
In the illustrated embodiment, the microplate 100 includes an array of ninety-six wells 102 (e.g., arranged in nine rows and twelve columns) formed in the deck 120 and extending downwardly from the bottom surface 111. The microplate 100 is configured to be placed within a thermocycler as described in greater detail below with reference to
Each well 102 of the plurality of wells 102 includes a well opening 103, an opposing well bottom 104, and a well wall 105 defining a well volume between the opening 103 and the bottom 104. In certain embodiments, raised ridges 107 extend from the top surface 110 peripheral to each well opening 103 to form an elevated rim for each well 102. The ridges 107, if provided, may be used to receive a sealing film (not shown) to form a seal for each well 102 and thereby reduce evaporation of the contents of each well 102 during a thermo cycling process.
A microplate as disclosed herein may include any number of wells, e.g., 2 or more wells, for example 9, 16, 20, 30, 36, 96, 384 or 1536 wells. The wells 102 may be arranged in a closely packed array or in a regular array of rows and columns. In the illustrated embodiments, the wells in each row and/or column are substantially aligned with wells in adjacent rows and/or adjacent columns. In other embodiments, the wells in each row and/or column are offset from wells in adjacent rows and/or adjacent columns. The embodiments illustrated in
The well openings 103 can have any suitable geometric shape. Non-limiting examples of suitable shapes for the well openings 103 include polygonal, triangular, quadrangular, rectangular, square, trapezoidal, rhomboidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, decagonal, circular, ovoid, ellipsoid, and curvilinear polygonal. In various embodiments, at least one well 102 includes a well opening 103 having a shape in common with at least one other well of the plurality of wells. In some embodiments, each well 102 has a well opening 103 with the same shape as every other well of the plurality of wells. In other embodiments, each well 102 of the plurality of wells has a well opening 103 having a unique shape. In the embodiments illustrated in
Microplate 100 may optionally include a peripheral apron 106a extending upwardly from the top surface 110, generally above and proximate to the downwardly extending frame 108. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the apron 106a extends substantially perpendicular to the top surface 110 of the deck 120. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the apron 106a extends at an angle greater than or less than 90° with respect to the top surface 110 of the deck 120. In some embodiments, the apron 106a can accommodate (e.g., may be configured to receive) a skirt of a microplate cover (not shown). In other embodiments, the microplate 100 does not include an apron 106a.
The apron 106a, if provided, may include an outer rim 106b. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the outer rim 106b extends along a periphery of the free edge of the apron 106a. In other embodiments, the apron 106a does not include an outer rim 106b.
In various embodiments, the microplate 100 may optionally include one or more alignment features for purposes of aligning the microplate body 100 within another device—such as, for example, a gripping device, a handling system, a thermocycler, or a storage device. According to certain embodiments, such alignment features are chosen from cutouts, recesses, protrusions, and combinations thereof. In the embodiments illustrated in
The wells 102 may have any suitable shape configured to contain a desired fluid volume. In various embodiments, the shape of the wells is defined principally by the well wall 105. Non-limiting examples of well shapes includes conical, frustoconical, rounded conical, right or oblique pyramidal, right or oblique frustopyramidal, cylindrical, cylindrical with a rounded end, right or oblique prism shaped, uniform or nonuniform prism-shaped, bullet-shaped, and combinations thereof.
In various embodiments, at least one well 102 has at least one plane of symmetry. In some embodiments, the at least one plane of symmetry includes a major axis of the well 102. The major axis extends from a center of the well opening 103 to the nadir of the well bottom 104, for example. In some embodiments, at least one well 102 is radially symmetric about the major axis of the well 102. Other embodiments include at least one well 102 that lacks a plane of symmetry. In some embodiments, the well 102 has a cross-section taken along a plane substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the well that is substantially the same shape over the depth of the well 102. In other embodiments, the well 102 has a cross-section taken along a plane substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the well that varies over the depth of the well 102. In some embodiments, as shown in
Non-limiting methods for forming the microplate include injection molding, injection compression molding, vacuum formation with a female mold and a male plug assist, and combinations thereof. In embodiments, the microplate is molded from a same material composition (e.g., a single polymer material) in a single (1-shot) molding step such that the microplate body comprises wells and reinforcing members that are formed integral to the body. Such a microplate is free of any over-molded or attached components.
The microplate 100 may comprise a polymeric material. In various embodiments, the polymeric material has at least one characteristic chosen from being biologically inert, being chemically inert, having low biological reactivity, being thermoplastic, being moldable, being re-moldable, having low extractables, being optically transparent, being optically translucent, being transparent to infrared radiation, and being transparent to ultraviolet radiation. In some embodiments, the microplate body 100 is formed from polycarbonate, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, cyclo-olefins, or combinations thereof, which are thermoplastic, moldable, re-moldable, chemically inert, optically translucent or transparent, and have low extractables.
Many of the foregoing materials may have low working temperatures, however, and thus the microplate 100 if not suitably designed may deform or undergo other undesirable effects during or after the thermocycling process. Deformation may include warping, twisting, or other deviations from the original planar conformation of the top surface 110 of the deck 120.
In addition, as noted previously, some polymeric materials, for example polypropylene, may strain in response to thermally-induced stress. Further, some polymeric materials, including polypropylene, can harbor residual stress from non-uniform cooling following a molding process, for example an injection molding process. The thermally-induced stress and/or the residual stress may result in deformation of the microplate during or after the thermocycling process.
As a result of the deformation of the microplate 100 during thermal cycling, it may be difficult to remove a microplate main body 100 from a thermocycler, as deformation from the original planar conformation can result in changes in the overall dimensions of the microplate 100, which in turn may exceed the tolerances of the microplate in operation. As the number of wells 102 (and the overall size) of the microplate 100 increases, the force required to remove the microplate 100 from the thermocycler may increase, which may further damage the microplate. Moreover, robotic handling systems may have difficulty manipulating and/or removing a deformed microplate from the thermocycler. In addition, the microplate material may thermally degrade as a result of the thermal cycling. Such degradation may further contribute to warping or twisting of the microplate 100.
As illustrated in
The thermocycler 10 also has a heated top plate 54 (shown in the open position in
According to various disclosed embodiments, the microplates comprise a reinforced structure that may include multiple localized regions of different thicknesses. With reference to
Thinner well walls 105 and/or well bottoms 104 may allow for improved thermal conductivity, while a thicker frame 108 may aid in resisting or reducing undesired deformation of the microplate 100. As such, the use of a microplate having regions of different thicknesses may facilitate handling of the microplate by a scientist or robotic handling system, for example to remove the microplate from the thermocycler after completion of a PCR process.
Referring to
Portions of the rib members 130 may intersect with one another to form a corrugated-type reinforcing network at an underside of the microplate 100, e.g., the rib members may be arranged in folds or alternate furrows and ridges. Plural rib members may be disposed on the deck bottom surface peripheral to the well array, thereby embodying a plurality of locally increased peripheral deck thickness regions. Rib members located peripheral to the well array may be arranged with a length that is parallel to, orthogonal to, and/or at an oblique angle to the major or minor lengths (also known as length or width dimensions) of the microplate. For instance, one or more rib members may be configured to form one or more continuous or semi-continuous loops that extend along a periphery of the microplate. Plural loops may be concentric. A semi-continuous loop may be interrupted at one or more points along its length. An example distance from an outer edge of the microplate to a peripheral rib member may range from ⅛ inch to ⅜ inch, for example.
In addition to or in lieu of such an arrangement including locally increased peripheral deck thickness regions that may include ribs peripheral to a well array, locally increased deck thickness regions such as rib members may be disposed between wells, i.e., between the rows and/or columns of wells. Such rib members may be arranged with a length that is parallel to a close packed, row or column direction of the well array, i.e., arranged as substantially linear segments. The rib members essentially form regions of the deck that are locally thicker (i.e., by an amount equal to the height of the rib member).
Additional aspects of the reinforced microplates, which include reinforcing ribs, are disclosed herein with reference to the engineering drawings of
In embodiments, the microplate frame 108 includes one or more slots 140 that cut completely through the frame 108. In embodiments, the one or more slots cut completely through peripheral rib members 130. By way of example, and with reference to
The incorporation of the slots 140 into the frame facilitates the release of stress in the microplate 100, particularly in a microplate exhibiting a complicated stress state due to differences in, inter alia, the shape and thickness of the part, as well as local temperature differences. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the slots 140 permit thermal expansion within the frame 108 without the accumulation of stress that could otherwise deform the microplate 100.
With continued reference to
Testing in a thermocycler has shown that the deformation of a reinforced polypropylene microplate as disclosed herein is reduced by 80% in comparison to a conventional (non-reinforced) polypropylene microplate.
The use of a reinforced microplate having a rigid structure makes it easy for a scientist or robot handling system to remove the microplate from the thermocycler after completion of the PCR process. This is a marked improvement over the traditional microplate that has a tendency to deform and/or adhere to surfaces of a thermocycler, such as the metal heating fixtures 52a/52b shown in
Although a reinforced microplate disclosed herein is described as being used in a PCR process, it should be understood that the reinforced microplate can be used in a wide variety of processes. A reinforced PCR microplate may be non-skirted, semi-skirted, or a full-skirted microplate.
In embodiments, the microplate 100 is formed from a transparent material. As used herein, “transparent” means at least 60% transparency (e.g., at least 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 99 or 100% transparency) for a given wavelength or over a range of wavelengths. In embodiments, for example, the well walls are transparent to visible light (i.e., over the wavelength range of 390 to 700 nm). In embodiments, the well walls are transparent to ultraviolet and/or near-infrared radiation (i.e., over the respective wavelength ranges of 100 to <390 nm and >700 to 2500 nm).
In embodiments, the well walls are characterized by low background fluorescence. Fluorescence is a form of absorbed energy that is reradiated at a lower energy, often as light. The amount of fluorescence (or lack thereof) from reinforced microplates is a key factor in their implementation with, for example, analytical spectroscopy, polarization and imaging, including point-of-care (POC) in vitro diagnostic tests, and other life-sciences analytics such as cellular flow cytometry.
Disclosed herein is a reinforced microplate such as a PCR plate. The entire reinforced microplate may be formed from a same material composition (e.g., a single polymer material) in a single (1-shot) molding process. As such, the microplate is readily recyclable and less expensive to manufacture than comparative plates formed in plural steps and/or which include plural polymer materials arranged in different regions. A reinforced microplate according to certain embodiments includes multiple locally increased thickness regions, such as may be embodied in reinforcing ribs that are incorporated onto the bottom surface of the microplate deck. Stress-relieving slots may be formed in the frame, and optionally in a peripheral deck portion, of a reinforced microplate.
Additional combinations of reinforcing and/or sealing enhancing features may be provided in microplates according to further embodiments.
In certain embodiments, at least a portion of each dot of a subset of dots is arranged in contact with another dot, such as by providing corners of different dots in contact with one another. Although various embodiments disclosed herein include square-shaped dots, it is to be appreciated that dots of any suitable shapes, sizes, patterns, and orientations may be provided. In certain embodiments, multiple dots of different shapes, different sizes, and/or different orientations may be provided in adjacent or non-adjacent regions of the same microplate.
With continued reference to
Additional features and aspects of the reinforced microplate of
While various features described hereinabove are directed to providing enhanced structural reinforcement to microplates, further described herein are features intended to enhance sealing of a microplate in operation, which may be beneficial to reduce evaporative loss of contents of microwells during thermocycling and other processing steps.
With continued reference to
Additional features and aspects of the reinforced microplate of
Various aspects and embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent following review of the preceding figures.
In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a microplate comprises a body including a first surface and an opposing second surface defining a deck, a plurality of wells extending from the second surface, a peripheral deck portion laterally surrounding the plurality of wells, and a frame surrounding the peripheral deck portion. The peripheral deck portion comprises a plurality of locally increased peripheral deck thickness regions formed integral to the body, extending from the second surface, and configured to enhance stiffness of the microplate. Non-limiting examples of locally increased peripheral deck thickness regions include one or more reinforcing ribs (which may optionally be continuous or semi-continuous in nature) and/or a plurality of dots. In certain embodiments, a portion of each locally increased peripheral deck thickness region is arranged in contact with at least one other locally increased peripheral deck thickness region. In certain embodiments, the frame includes at least one wall comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner surface comprises a plurality of locally increased wall thickness regions (e.g., ribs extending in a generally vertical direction, optionally having a shape that tapers in a downward direction) configured to further enhance stiffness of the microplate. In certain embodiments, at least one stress-relieving slot defined in the frame in a direction substantially perpendicular to the deck, wherein the at least one slot may optionally be further defined in the peripheral deck portion. In certain embodiments, the deck, the plurality of wells, the frame, and the plurality of locally increased peripheral deck thickness regions are continuously formed of a same material composition. In certain embodiments, each well includes a raised rim with a top surface elevated above the first surface, an intermediate surface arranged between the top surface and the first surface, an inner transition surface extending between the intermediate surface and the top surface, and an outer transition surface extending between the intermediate surface and the top surface, wherein an angle between the inner transition surface and the top surface, as well as an angle between the outer transition surface and the top surface, is in a range of from 100 to 170 degrees. In certain embodiments, each well includes a raised rim with a top surface elevated above the first surface, and the microplate further comprises at least one elevated sealing feature extending from the first surface, and being arranged between corners of the deck and the plurality of wells.
In accordance another aspect of the present disclosure, a microplate comprises a body including a first surface and an opposing second surface defining a deck, a plurality of wells extending from the second surface, a peripheral deck portion laterally surrounding the plurality of wells, and a frame surrounding the peripheral deck portion. The peripheral deck portion comprises a plurality of locally increased peripheral deck thickness regions formed integral to the body and comprising a plurality of dots, extending from the second surface, and configured to enhance stiffness of the microplate. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of each dot of a subset of the plurality of dots is arranged in contact with at least one other dot of the subset of dots, and/or comprises a substantially square cross-sectional shape taken along a plane parallel to the deck. In certain embodiments, at least one continuous or semi-continuous reinforcing rib extending from the second surface is further provided between the plurality of wells and the plurality of dots, and/or a plurality of ribs formed integral to the body and extending from the second surface is configured as a grid between different wells of the plurality of wells. In certain embodiments, the frame includes at least one wall comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner surface comprises a plurality of locally increased wall thickness regions (e.g., ribs extending in a generally vertical direction, optionally having a shape that tapers in a downward direction) configured to further enhance stiffness of the microplate. In certain embodiments, the deck, the plurality of wells, the frame, and the plurality of locally increased peripheral deck thickness regions are continuously formed of a same material composition. In certain embodiments, at least one stress-relieving slot defined in the frame in a direction substantially perpendicular to the deck, wherein the at least one slot may optionally be further defined in the peripheral deck portion. In certain embodiments, each well includes a raised rim with a top surface elevated above the first surface, an intermediate surface arranged between the top surface and the first surface, an inner transition surface extending between the intermediate surface and the top surface, and an outer transition surface extending between the intermediate surface and the top surface, wherein an angle between the inner transition surface and the top surface, as well as an angle between the outer transition surface and the top surface, is in a range of from 100 to 170 degrees. In certain embodiments, each well includes a raised rim with a top surface elevated above the first surface, and the microplate further comprises at least one elevated sealing feature extending from the first surface, and being arranged between corners of the deck and the plurality of wells.
In accordance with further aspects of the present disclosure, a microplate comprises a body including a first surface and an opposing second surface defining a deck, a plurality of wells extending from the second surface, a peripheral deck portion laterally surrounding the plurality of wells, and a frame surrounding the peripheral deck portion. Additionally, the frame comprises at least one wall arranged non-parallel to the deck, the at least one wall comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner surface comprises a plurality of locally increased wall thickness regions configured to enhance stiffness of the microplate. In certain embodiments, each locally increased wall thickness region of the plurality of locally increased wall thickness regions includes a length extending in a generally vertical direction, and includes a width that tapers with increasing distance away from the second surface. In certain embodiments, the at least one wall is oriented in a generally vertical direction. In certain embodiments, the peripheral deck portion comprises a plurality of locally increased peripheral deck thickness regions formed integral to the body, extending from the second surface, and configured to enhance stiffness of the microplate. In certain embodiments, the plurality of locally increased peripheral deck thickness regions comprises a plurality of dots, optionally supplemented by at least one continuous or semi-continuous reinforcing rib arranged between the plurality of wells and the plurality of dots. In certain embodiments, the deck comprises a plurality of ribs formed integral to the body configured as a grid between different wells of the plurality of wells, extending from the second surface, and configured to enhance stiffness of the microplate. In certain embodiments, the deck, the plurality of wells, the frame, and the plurality of locally increased wall thickness regions are continuously formed of a same material composition. In certain embodiments, at least one stress-relieving slot defined in the frame in a direction substantially perpendicular to the deck, wherein the at least one slot may optionally be further defined in the peripheral deck portion. In certain embodiments, each well includes a raised rim with a top surface elevated above the first surface, an intermediate surface arranged between the top surface and the first surface, an inner transition surface extending between the intermediate surface and the top surface, and an outer transition surface extending between the intermediate surface and the top surface, wherein an angle between the inner transition surface and the top surface, as well as an angle between the outer transition surface and the top surface, is in a range of from 100 to 170 degrees. In certain embodiments, each well includes a raised rim with a top surface elevated above the first surface, and the microplate further comprises at least one elevated sealing feature extending from the first surface, and being arranged between corners of the deck and the plurality of wells.
In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a microplate comprises a body including a first surface and an opposing second surface defining a deck, a plurality of wells extending from the second surface, a peripheral deck portion laterally surrounding the plurality of wells, and a frame surrounding the peripheral deck portion. Each well of the plurality of wells comprises a raised rim including a top surface elevated above the first surface, an intermediate surface arranged between the top surface and the first surface, an inner transition surface extending between the intermediate surface and the top surface, and an outer transition surface extending between the intermediate surface and the top surface. Additionally, an angle between the inner transition surface and the top surface is in a range of from 100 to 170 degrees, and an angle between the outer transition surface and the top surface is in a range of from 100 to 170 degrees. In certain embodiments, the top surface, the intermediate surface, and the first surface are arranged along planes parallel to one another. In certain embodiments, the microplate further comprises at least one elevated sealing feature extending from the first surface, and being arranged between corners of the deck and the plurality of wells. In certain embodiments, the peripheral deck portion comprises a plurality of locally increased peripheral deck thickness regions formed integral to the body, extending from the second surface, and configured to enhance stiffness of the microplate. In certain embodiments, the plurality of locally increased peripheral deck thickness regions comprises a plurality of dots, optionally supplemented by at least one continuous or semi-continuous reinforcing rib arranged between the plurality of wells and the plurality of dots. In certain embodiments, the deck comprises a plurality of ribs formed integral to the body configured as a grid between different wells of the plurality of wells, extending from the second surface, and configured to enhance stiffness of the microplate. In certain embodiments, the frame comprises at least one wall arranged non-parallel to the deck, the at least one wall comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner surface comprises a plurality of locally increased wall thickness regions configured to enhance stiffness of the microplate. In certain embodiments, the deck, the plurality of wells, and the frame are continuously formed of a same material composition. In certain embodiments, at least one stress-relieving slot defined in the frame in a direction substantially perpendicular to the deck, wherein the at least one slot may optionally be further defined in the peripheral deck portion.
In accordance with additional aspects of the present disclosure, a microplate comprises a body including a first surface and an opposing second surface defining a deck, a plurality of wells extending from the second surface, a peripheral deck portion laterally surrounding the plurality of wells, and a frame surrounding the peripheral deck portion. Each well of the plurality of wells comprises a raised rim including a top surface elevated above the first surface, and the microplate further comprises at least one elevated sealing feature extending from the first surface, and being arranged between corners of the deck and the plurality of wells. In certain embodiments, the at least one elevated sealing feature comprises at least four elevated sealing features. In certain embodiments, the at least one elevated sealing feature comprises a same height as the top surface of the raised rim of each well of the plurality of wells. In certain embodiments, each well includes a raised rim with a top surface elevated above the first surface, an intermediate surface arranged between the top surface and the first surface, an inner transition surface extending between the intermediate surface and the top surface, and an outer transition surface extending between the intermediate surface and the top surface, wherein an angle between the inner transition surface and the top surface, as well as an angle between the outer transition surface and the top surface, is in a range of from 100 to 170 degrees. In certain embodiments, the peripheral deck portion comprises a plurality of locally increased peripheral deck thickness regions (e.g., a plurality of dots, optionally supplemented with at least one continuous or semi-continuous reinforcing rib arranged between the plurality of wells and the plurality of dots) formed integral to the body, extending from the second surface, and configured to enhance stiffness of the microplate. In certain embodiments, the deck comprises a plurality of ribs formed integral to the body configured as a grid between different wells of the plurality of wells, extending from the second surface, and configured to enhance stiffness of the microplate. In certain embodiments, the frame comprises at least one wall arranged non-parallel to the deck, the at least one wall comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner surface comprises a plurality of locally increased wall thickness regions configured to enhance stiffness of the microplate. In certain embodiments, the deck, the plurality of wells, the frame, and the at least one elevated sealing feature are continuously formed of a same material composition. In certain embodiments, at least one stress-relieving slot is defined in the frame and extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the deck. In certain embodiments, at least one stress-relieving slot defined in the frame in a direction substantially perpendicular to the deck, wherein the at least one slot may optionally be further defined in the peripheral deck portion.
In further aspects of the disclosure, it is specifically contemplated that any two or more aspects, embodiments, or features disclosed herein may be combined for additional advantage.
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “notch” includes examples having two or more such “notches” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise
The term “include” or “includes” means encompassing but not limited to, that is, inclusive and not exclusive.
“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event, circumstance, or component, can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where the event, circumstance, or component, occurs and instances where it does not.
Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, examples include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that any particular order be inferred. Any recited single or multiple feature or aspect in any one claim can be combined or permuted with any other recited feature or aspect in any other claim or claims.
It is also noted that recitations herein refer to a component being “configured” or “adapted to” function in a particular way. In this respect, such a component is “configured” or “adapted to” embody a particular property, or function in a particular manner, where such recitations are structural recitations as opposed to recitations of intended use. More specifically, the references herein to the manner in which a component is “configured” or “adapted to” denotes an existing physical condition of the component and, as such, is to be taken as a definite recitation of the structural characteristics of the component.
While various features, elements or steps of particular embodiments may be disclosed using the transitional phrase “comprising,” it is to be understood that alternative embodiments, including those that may be described using the transitional phrases “consisting” or “consisting essentially of,” are implied. For example, implied alternative embodiments to a microplate comprising polypropylene include embodiments where a microplate consists of polypropylene and embodiments where a microplate consists essentially of polypropylene.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present inventive technology without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Since modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and variations of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the inventive technology may occur to persons skilled in the art, the inventive technology should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §111(a) of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2015/064585 filed on Dec. 9, 2015, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/090,066 filed on Dec. 10, 2014. The entire contents of each of the foregoing applications is relied upon and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62090066 | Dec 2014 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | PCT/US2015/064585 | Dec 2015 | US |
Child | 15150845 | US |