www.4ti.co.uk

Designed with robotic precision in mind

96 and 384 well PCR plates

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

FRAMEstar ®

Benefits

Manufactured under license from Bio-Rad Laboratiories, Inc. U.S. Patent 6,340,589, EP 1198293 B1, and foreign counterparts.

Features and Benefits

Table 1: Plate Distortion post PCR

X-axis Y-axis Warpage

FrameStar® 96, skirted 0.02mm 0.02mm 0.03mm

One Piece 96 well 1.18mm 1.69mm 1.8mmPP Plate

Distortion tests have been performed with different PCR profiles using a variety of sealing materials. The results shown above were obtained using the following protocol with 5µl reaction volumes, plates sealed with adhesive sheets (4titude code 4Ti-0500), in a ThermoHybaid Px2 Cycler: 1min 94ºC, 30x(30sec 94ºC, 30sec 55ºC, 30sec 72ºC), 5min 72ºC, holding step at 4ºC. Averages from measurements of 10 plate samples are shown. X- and Y- axis measurements were taken in the middle sections of the plate skirt. Warpage was measured as a maximum deviation from a flat plane.

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

FRAMEstar ®

FrameStar® 384 0.02mm 0.02mm 0.03mm

One Piece 384 well 1.22mm 1.82mm 2.2mmPP Plate

Bar CodingFrameStar® 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.

Improved SealingIn 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 contaminationRaised 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 AnalysisFor 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.

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.

Manufacturing & Quality Control

Sealing Options4titude 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.

Colour OptionsFrameStar® 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.

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)

FrameStar® 96 skirted (4ti-0960)The No 1 choice for robotic applications and low volume PCR

FrameStar® 96 non-skirted (4ti-0710)Fits most thermal cyclers

FrameStar® 384 (4ti-0384)Ideal for robotic use

FrameStar® 96 semi-skirted with upstand (4ti-0730)Designed to fit ABI thermal cyclers and sequencers

FrameStar® 96 non-skirted low profile (4ti-0720)Recommended for low volume PCR

FrameStar® 96 and 384Available with white wells for fluoresence applications (see table for catalogue numbers)

FRAMEstar ®The Range

Plate Compatibility Table

FrameStar 96 skirted low profileCode 4ti-0960(clear wells)Code 4ti-0961(white wells)

FrameStar 384 skirtedCode 4ti-0384(clear wells)Code 4ti-0385(white wells)

FrameStar 96 non-skirtedCode 4ti-0710(clear wells)Code 4ti-0711(white wells)

FrameStar 96 non-skirted low profileCode 4ti-0720(clear wells)Code 4ti-0721 (white wells)

FrameStar 96 semi-skirted Code 4ti-0730(clear wells)Code 4ti-0731(white wells)

Thermal Cyclers & Sequencers

STANDARD CYCLERS

ABI

GeneAmp®9600 yes yes

GeneAmp®9700 yes yes yes

Biometra

Uno yes yes yes

T1 Thermocycler yes yes yes yes

TGradient yes yes yes

TRobot yes yes yes

Biorad

iCycler™ yes

MyCycler yes

Biorad-MJ Research

PTC100™ (96well block only) yes yes yes

PTC200 (DNA Engine™) yes yes yes yes

PTC225 (DNA Tetrad™) yes yes yes yes

Corbett Research

Palm Cycler yes yes

Eppendorf

MasterCycler® Gradient yes yes yes

MasterCycler® EP Gradient yes yes yes

M384 yes

ThermoHybaid

PCR Express yes yes yes yes

PX2 / PXE yes yes yes yes

MBS, Multiblock System yes yes yes yes

MWG

Primus 96 yes yes yes

Primus 384 yes

The Q-Lifecycler yes yes yes

Stratagene

Robocycler yes

Takara

TP3000

Techne

TC412 yes yes yes

TC512 yes yes yes

Q-PCR CYCLERS

ABI

PRISM®7000/7300/ yes

7500/7700 yes

PRISM®7900HT yes yes

Biorad

iCycler™IQ

iQ5 yes

MyiQ

Biorad-MJ Research

Opticon™ yes yes

Opticon2™ yes yes

Stratagene

Mx3000™

Mx4000®

Techne

Quantica® yes yes

SEQUENCERS

ABI

PRISM®3100 yes

PRISM®3700 yes yes

PRISM®3730/3730x yes

Amersham

MegaBACE™500 yes

MegaBACE™1000 Mark II yes

MegaBACE™4000 yes

Biorad MJ Research

BaseStartion™ yes

Transgenomic

WAVE® System yes

Plate CompatibilityFrameStar® well plates are compatible with most PCR

cyclers, real-time detection systems and sequencers.

Automation Platforms:

FrameStar® plates have been successfully tested

for reliable use on most automation platforms,

e.g. Beckman, Hamilton, Tecan and Zymark.

Plate Dimensions

FrameStar® 96 well plate skirted

FrameStar® 96 well plate semi-skirted with upstand

FrameStar® 384 well plate skirted FrameStar® 96 well plate non-skirted standard profile

FrameStar® 96 well plate non-skirted low profile

Plate Dimensions

Unit 4bc, Jayes Park Courtyard,

Ockley, Surrey RH5 5RR, UK

Tel: +44 (0)1306 621111

Fax: +44 (0)1306 621162

Web: www.4ti.co.uk

Email: sales@4ti.co.uk

FRAMEstar ®

4Ti-0384

4Ti-0384/B

4Ti-0384/C 4Ti-0384/G 4Ti-0384/R 4Ti-0384/X 4Ti-0385

384 well plate

FrameStar® PCR plate, clear wells, purple frame

FrameStar® PCR plate, clear wells, blue frame

FrameStar® PCR plate, clear wells, clear frame

FrameStar® PCR plate, clear wells, green frame

FrameStar® PCR plate, clear wells, red frame

FrameStar® PCR plate, clear wells, black frame

FrameStar® PCR plate, white wells, black frame

96 well plate

skirted

4Ti-0960

4Ti-0960/B

4Ti-0960/C 4Ti-0960/G 4Ti-0960/R 4Ti-0960/X 4Ti-0961

96 well plate semi-skirted with upstand

4Ti-0730

4Ti-0730/B

4Ti-0730/C 4Ti-0730/G 4Ti-0730/R 4Ti-0730/X 4Ti-0731

96 well plate non-skirted standard profile

4Ti-0710

4Ti-0710/B

4Ti-0710/C 4Ti-0710/G 4Ti-0710/R 4Ti-0710/X 4Ti-0711

96 well plate non-skirted low profile

4Ti-0720

4Ti-0720/B

4Ti-0720/C 4Ti-0720/G 4Ti-0720/R 4Ti-0720/X 4Ti-0721

50 plates per case 50 plates per case 50 plates per case

50 plates per case 50 plates per case 50 plates per case 50 plates per case

Ordering InformationCode Description Quantity

E-mail: rafer rafer.es - www.rafer.es@E-mail: rafer rafer.es - www.rafer.es@

BarcelonaBarcelona BilbaoBilbao La CoruñaLa Coruña LogroñoLogroño MadridMadrid SevillaSevilla ValenciaValencia ZaragozaZaragoza LisboaLisboa