DE102004026240A1 - Plastic microtitration plate for PCR use and breeding of micro-organisms is characterized by markings on film or embossing foil attached to plastic frame - Google Patents

Abstract

Microtiter plate, comprising a frame having rows of recesses(5) for holding test fluids has characterizing markings, is new. The markings are made on either a film(16) connected to the base material(15) of the frame, a film connected to the frame and including a pigment which changes color when a radiation source is directed at it, or a hot embossing foil onto the rear face of which the frame base material is injected. Microtiter plate, comprising a frame having rows of recesses (5) for holding test fluids has characterizing markings, is new. The markings are made on either a film (16) connected to the base material (15) of the frame, a film connected to the frame and including a pigment which changes color when a radiation source is directed at it, or a hot embossing foil onto the rear face of which the frame base material is injected. The film (16) has an upper covering section parallel to the upper wall (3) of the frame which includes the openings of each recess (5). The upper covering section may extend between the openings and have cut-outs corresponding to the recess openings or form a frame surrounding each opening. A sidewall section of the film runs perpendicular to the frame upper wall. On at least one, preferably four, long sides the upper covering section is connected to a sidewall section. When the film covers the upper side of the frame the base material (15) of the frame is non-transparent and when covering the underside of the frame the base material of the latter is transparent. Characterizing markings may be on the side of the film facing away from the base material or on the side facing the base material. Films may have a laminate construction in which the markings are located between two film layers. Letters and numbers are marked on the upper wall section close to each row and gap of the recesses. Markings may also exist on the sidewall sections or at a corner of the upper wall section. Markings may be produced on the film by offset printing. Films may be electrically conductive and can include a transponder for storage and contactless transfer of data in both directions. The film melts when the base material of the frame is injected onto the rear face. An independent claim is included for manufacturing a microtitration plate in which a film is place into an injection molding tool for the microtitration plate and a base material for the latter is injected onto the film.

Description

microtiter plates especially for the various microbiological, cell culture and immunological operations used. For example, microtiter plates find application in the PCR and breeding of microorganisms or cells.

Known are microtiter plates that have a frame with a variety of wells for receiving sample liquid exhibit. The wells are also called "wells." They are for example in an overall plate-shaped frame formed or have from the bottom of a plate-shaped top wall of the frame projecting receiving sections. The top wall can have side walls projecting downwards. The wells have openings, which are accessible from the top of the plate. The common microtiter plates have in rows and columns 8 × 12 = 96 wells. More and more are also microtiter plates a larger number Depressions, e.g. 384 wells used.

microtiter plates For the purposes of this application, in particular microtiter plates corresponding to Recommendations of SBS (= Society for Biomolecular Screening), PCR plates, deepwell plates, culture plates, Filter plates etc.

Known Microtiter plates are already marked with the wells Mistake. These are in addition to the parallel rows and columns arranged pits a row with numbers and a column arranged with letters on top of the frame. Provided the numbers and letters are only embossed, they just raise themselves indistinct from the ground and are difficult to read. Furthermore can the raised numbers and letters when applying a sealing foil to disturb. Also Microtiter plates with printed numbers and letters are known. The printing on the frame is complex and requires the application of methods (e.g. Pad printing), which is a qualitatively not very high quality printed image result. Furthermore, the printed characters are under stress not resistant to chemicals or mechanical stress.

Known are also microtiter plates, which have bevelled corners to the Positioning of the plate, e.g. in a laboratory machine, to facilitate. The arrangement of the chamfer is inconsistent with microtiter plates from different manufacturers. A Adaptation to a specific customer request is for one Manufacturer elaborate.

Further are microtiter plates known for identification with a printed or glued barcode are provided. These can be under unfavorable Conditions, e.g. due to mechanical or chemical damage, to solve. Also Microtiter plates, which are a colorant or transfer additive, are already known containing a label by coloration by means of laser beam. The disadvantage, however, is that these Additives affect the purity of the samples in the recordings can.

From that Based on the object of the invention, a microtiter plate to disposal to provide their graphic designation cheaper manufacturing and Has application properties. Furthermore, a method for Preparation of such a microtiter plate provided become.

The The object is achieved by a microtiter plate having the features of the claim 1 solved. Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for producing a Microtiter plate with the features of claim 26 solved. advantageous Embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

• – einen Rahmen,
• – eine Vielzahl im Rahmen angeordneter Vertiefungen zur Aufnahme von Probenflüssigkeit und
• – mindestens eine grafische Kennzeichnung, die 1.1 an mindestens einer mit einem Basismaterial des Rahmens verbundenen Folie vorhanden ist und/oder 1.2 an mindestens einer mit einem Basismaterial des Rahmens verbundenen Folie umfassend ein Farbmittel durch Anwenden einer bestimmten, einen Farbumschlag des Farbmittels hervorrufenden Strahlung erzeugbar ist und/oder 1.3 durch Hinterspritzen mindestens einer Heißprägefolie mit einem Basismaterial des Rahmens auf das Basismaterial aufgebracht ist.

The microtiter plate according to the invention has

• - a frame,
• - A variety arranged in the frame wells for receiving sample liquid and
• At least one graphic marking 1.1 present on at least one film bonded to a base material of the frame and / or 1.2 produceable on at least one film bonded to a base material of the frame comprising a colorant by applying a specific radiation causing a color change of the colorant and / or 1.3 is applied to the base material by injecting at least one hot stamping foil with a base material of the frame.

The microtiter plate according to the invention is or is provided with a graphic designation by means of at least one film. The invention relates to three different types of graphic marking, which are referred to below as solution variants 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3. In solution variant 1.1, the graphic designation is present on the film, which is connected to the base material. In the solution variant 1.2, the base material is firmly connected to a film, which due to the colorant contained (eg a color pigment) has the property to be graphically identifiable by applying a specific radiation (eg laser radiation). According to solution variant 1.3, at least one graphic marking is applied to the base material of the frame by means of at least one hot stamping foil. For this purpose, a transferable graphic marking having hot stamping foil is back-injected with base material. Then it is removed from the base material. The graphic marking remains more or less on the base material.

All alternative solutions have the advantage of manufacturing simplicity, because the connection the film with the base material or the application of the hot stamping foil independently from the respective graphic marking in the same way executable is. The invention favors Therefore, the production of different or individually marked Microtiter plates. Furthermore, all solution variants have the advantage that she a high quality (especially high contrast or brilliant) graphic designation. In the solution variants 1.1 and 1.3, this particular by the offset printing process respectively. With solution variant 1.2 is a high quality graphic design by application the laser marking process possible.

The alternative solutions 1.1 and 1.2 allow In addition, the affixing of the graphic marking so that this not affected by mechanical stress, water or chemicals and no colorant escapes in the wells. solution variant 1.3 has opposite the well-known printing of microtiter plates the advantage that the by Injection of the hot stamping foil with base material in the surface embedded in the base material is relatively resistant to detachment or Washing is.

The alternative solutions 1.1 to 1.3 can individually or in any combination on a microtiter plate be used. In particular, one can already use a graphic Labeling film additionally include a colorant, so by applying radiation from the user more information (e.g., individual labeling and / or experiment related Information) can be applied. Furthermore, it is possible that a microtiter plate, which comprises a film bonded to the base material, a means Hot stamping foil having applied graphic marking.

According to one Design is the film with the base material injected behind. By injection molding is a particularly strong connection or intimate contact produced between film and base material.

According to one Embodiment, the film has a in one of the openings the recesses parallel top wall of the frame arranged cover wall portion on. On the top wall section are e.g. Markings of the wells or corner markings or manufacturer information or article designations mountable.

Basically it is possible that yourself the film extends in the region of the recesses, for example when using a thermoforming film. This allows e.g. the attachment graphic markings in the wells. According to one advantageous, the production cost reducing design the top wall section extends between the openings the recesses and has recesses on the openings of the wells. Thus, graphic markings can be attached between the depressions. Through recesses in the region of the openings of the wells can the top wall section yet be executed flat. According to one In another embodiment, the cover wall portion surrounds the openings the recesses frame-like, so does not extend between the wells. The frame-like cover wall section is for graphic Markings usable.

According to one Embodiment, the film has at least one in at least one Arranged transversely to the top wall side wall of the frame Sidewall section on The sidewall section allows the graphic marking of the side walls.

According to one Embodiment is the film on at least one longitudinal side the top wall portion connected to a side wall portion. As a result, can Top wall section and side wall section by means of a one-piece Foil be realized. According to a preferred Embodiment is the film on four longitudinal sides of the top wall section connected to a side wall portion. As a result, are graphic Markings on all four side walls attachable.

According to another embodiment, which allows the marking of several side walls using a one-piece film, the film has a plurality of side wall portions interconnected at end faces. According to another embodiment, which also allows the marking of the top wall by means of a one-piece film, at least one of the side wall sections connected to the transverse sides is connected on one longitudinal side to a top wall section. According to another embodiment, which avoids overlaps of adjacent cover wall sections, at least two adjoining side wall sections have cover wall sections which have oblique gates on adjacent sides point. Due to the oblique gates overlaps of the top wall sections at the corners are avoidable.

According to one Embodiment, the film is arranged at the top of the frame, i.e. at the side of the frame, when using the microtiter plate, at the openings the wells are directed upwards so sample liquid is not expires facing the viewer. This is preferred but not exclusive to Use of more or less opaque base material, so that the graphic identification is recognizable from the outside.

According to one Another embodiment is the film on the underside of the frame arranged and the base material transparent. The bottom of the Frame is the side that, when using the microtiter plate, at the openings the recesses are directed upward, facing away from the viewer is. Through the transparent base material is the graphic Nevertheless, from the outside visible, noticeable.

According to one Design is the graphic design on that of the base material arranged away from the side of the film. In this embodiment the graphic designation may be affected by external influences. Therefore according to a further embodiment, the film is a laminate that the graphic Has marking between two film layers. The outer foil layer protects the graphic designation before impairments won out.

According to one Another embodiment is the graphic designation on the Base material facing side of the film arranged. This is the graphical marking is protected against external influences. When injecting, however, can impairments result in the graphic identification. When using a hot stamping foil This orientation of the film is absolutely necessary.

According to one the recesses characterizing embodiment comprises at least a top wall portion of the film adjacent to the rows and columns of the Wells an identification by numbers and letters.

According to one in particular the marking of the manufacturer, the type of article, Production data and individual labeling enable Embodiment includes the film on at least one cover wall portion and / or side wall portion a graphic label.

According to one the positioning of the microtiter plate favoring embodiment comprises the film at least one of a corner of at least one cover wall section Eckmarkierug.

any other graphic markings, e.g. through pictures, instructions for use etc. are as possible Embodiments of the invention included.

According to one Design with a particularly high-quality graphic marking this is applied by offset printing on the film.

The The above-described embodiments of the film also apply to the hot stamping foil which after the back of the base material of this removed becomes.

According to one Another embodiment, the additional recognition of the microtiter plate e.g. favored by a vending machine, the film is electrically conductive executed. By contacting the film, an automaton can use the microtiter plate identify. Therefor For example, the film may have regions of different conductivity.

According to one Another embodiment, the additional detection of the microtiter plate e.g. enabled by a vending machine, is a transponder or other element for storage and non-contact Reading or reading data from the film.

Basically it is possible to form-fit the base material and the film, for example, by the base material passes through holes in the film. According to one Embodiment are the material of the film and the base material chosen so that this Material of the film by the injection molding with the base material occurring temperatures merged at the surface with the base material is. This results in a flat, uniform and particularly firm connection between base material and foil.

For the base material and the material of the film come a variety of plastics into consideration. According to one preferred embodiment is the base material and / or the material the film polypropylene (PP) and / or polystyrene (PS). Prefers Both the base material and the material of the film are more or less consistent Plastics.

at the method according to the invention For producing a microtiter plate, a film is placed in an injection mold for the microtiter plate inserted and back-injected with a base material.

In the inventive method, the is suitable for the production of all microtiter plates according to the invention, the film is connected by injection molding with the base material or brought into intimate contact with the base material. The method favors a very simple and firm connection or a contact between film and base material favoring the transfer of the graphic marking from a hot stamping foil. Different graphic markings can be made simply by using different foils.

According to one Embodiment of the method, the film in cut sheets of injection mold fed. The cut bows For example, be withdrawn from a stack and placed in the injection mold.

According to one Embodiment, the film is separated from a roll and fed to the injection mold. The Parting from the roll is e.g. by means of a cutting device.

The Loading the stack removed or separated from the roll Foil can be done for example by means of a robot. The foil For example, by suck on or by electrical charge be fixed to the robot and / or in the injection mold.

According to one Embodiment, the film is printed prior to insertion into the injection mold. This refinement applies in particular to the production of the microtiter plates according to solution variants 1.1 and 1.3. According to one Another embodiment, the film is printed in the offset printing process. According to one Embodiment, in particular the microtiter plate according to solution variant 1.2 relates the film is a radiation having a certain properties umfärbbares Colorant and is after the injection molding by means of the radiation provided at least one graphic label.

According to one further embodiment, in particular the production of the microtiter plate according to solution variant 1.3, the film is printed on the base material injected behind and after injection molding, the film of the base material separated, so that the Printing on the base material remains.

Finally will according to a Embodiment, in particular the production of microtiter plates according to solution variants 1.1 and 1.2 relates to the film by injection molding with the base material on the surface merged with the base material.

following the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings of embodiments explained in more detail. In show the drawings:

1 a microtiter plate with various graphic markings in a perspective side view;

2 Layer structure of the same microtiter plate in an enlarged vertical partial section through a frame side;

3A to C enlarged detail IIIA to C of the 2 when using different films;

4 a blank of a top wall portion having holes and associated side wall portions having film in a plan view;

5 a blank of a frame-like top wall portion and associated side wall sections having film in a plan view;

6 a blank of an interconnected side wall sections and associated cover wall sections having foil in a perspective side view.

According to 1 there is a microtiter plate 1 out of a frame 2 with a substantially rectangular, flat top wall 3 and four of the four long sides of the top wall 3 about vertically downwardly directed sidewalls 4 ,

In the top wall 3 are in eight columns and twelve rows a total of 96 wells 5 arranged. These each have approximately in the plane of the top wall 3 a top-to-common opening 6 and one below the top wall 3 downwardly projecting receiving section 7 (one of which is indicated in dashed lines).

In the top wall 3 are next to the rows digits 8th (from 1 to 12 ) and next to the columns letters 9A to H for marking the wells 5 available. Furthermore, the top wall has 3 in the corner, the recess marked A1 5 adjacent, a colored mark 10 ,

Further, adjacent to the depressions 5 labeled with A to H12, one the manufacturer of the microtiter plate 1 marking concerned 11 and a mark relating to the type of plate 12 available.

Finally, in neighboring Seitenwän the 4 an alphanumeric marking concerning the production lot and the individual number 13 and an individual identification in the form of a barcode 14 arranged.

According to 2 includes the microtiter plate 1 a base material 15 , on the top of which is outside the wells 5 a slide 16 is arranged. The foil 16 extends in the edge area of the top wall 3 and in the side walls 4 ,

The foil is with the above graphic markings 8th to 14 printed or labeled in the laser marking process.

According to 3A has a first version of the film 16 the as printing 17 executed graphic identification on that of the base material 15 opposite top. An impairment of the printing 17 due to external influences is not excluded.

According to 3B is the printing 17 the base material 15 facing and thus protected. When injecting the film 16 by base material 15 However, it may cause adverse effects on the printing. When using a hot stamping foil is the printing 17 arranged accordingly. If the film 16 no hot stamping foil is and the base material 15 remains, is the slide 16 transparent, so that the printing 17 can be viewed from the outside.

According to 3C is the printing 17 between the slides 16 ' and 16 '' a laminate arranged. At least the slide 16 ' is transparent.

According to 4 has one for the production of the microtiter plate of 1 to 3 suitable foil 16 an approximately rectangular top wall section 18 , which at four longitudinal sides sidewall sections 19 has articulated. In the top wall section 18 are circular recesses 20 present, under which the openings 6 the wells 5 remain free. This extends the film 16 even in the spaces between the wells 5 , so that there also markings can be arranged. The areas of the top wall section 18 outside the recesses 20 are usable for marking the wells. The sidewall sections 19 be in the production of the microtiter plate in the side walls 4 worked out, in order to attach there graphic markings.

According to 5 has a foil 16 a frame-like cover wall section 18 ' the only graphical markings outside the wells 5 allows. The frame-like cover wall section 18 ' is on its four long sides with side wall sections 19 connected for the marking of the side walls.

According to 6 has a foil 16 Sidewall portions 19 , which are connected to each other at front sides. The band-like interconnected side wall sections 19 have on their upper longitudinal side in each case a short top wall section 18 '' hinged. On adjacent sides have the top wall sections 18 '' one at about 45 ° to the side wall section 19 inclined gate 21 , so that in the corners no overlaps of the top wall sections 18 '' enter.

films 16 according to 4 and 6 are for the preparation of a microtiter plate according to 1 to 3 usable. This is one of the slides 16 placed in an injection mold and with the base material 15 back-molded. The arrangement of the film may be on top of the base material (as in 2 shown) or in deviation from 2 at the bottom, if transparent base material 15 is used.

Claims (33)

Microplate with - a frame ( 2 ), - a large number in the context ( 2 ) arranged depressions ( 5 ) for receiving sample liquid and - at least one graphic label ( 8th to 14 ), 1.1 at least one with a base material ( 15 ) of the frame ( 2 ) connected film ( 16 ) and / or 1.2 at least one with a base material ( 15 ) of the frame ( 2 ) connected film ( 16 ) comprising a colorant by application of a specific, a color change of the colorant causing radiation can be generated and / or 1.3 by injecting at least one hot stamping foil ( 16 ) with a base material ( 15 ) of the frame ( 2 ) on the base material ( 15 ) is applied. Microtiter plate according to Claim 1, in which the film ( 16 ) with the base material ( 15 ) is injected behind. Microtiter plate according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the film ( 16 ) one at one to the openings ( 6 ) of the depressions ( 5 ) parallel top wall ( 3 ) of the frame ( 2 ) arranged top wall section ( 18 ) having. Microtiter plate according to claim 3, in which the top wall section (FIG. 18 ) between the openings ( 6 ) of the depressions ( 5 ) and recesses ( 20 ) at the openings of the recesses. Microtiter plate according to claim 3, in which the cover wall section ( 18 ) the openings ( 6 ) of the Vertie tions ( 5 ) surrounds like a frame. Microtiter plate according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the film ( 16 ) at least one in at least one transverse to the top wall ( 3 ) directed sidewall ( 4 ) of the frame ( 2 ) arranged side wall portion ( 19 ) having. Microtiter plate according to one of Claims 3 to 6, in the case of the film ( 16 ) on at least one longitudinal side of the top wall section ( 18 ) with a side wall section ( 19 ) connected is. Microtiter plate according to claim 7, in which the film ( 16 ) on four longitudinal sides of the top wall section ( 18 ) with a side wall section ( 19 ) connected is. Microtiter plate according to Claim 6, in which the film ( 16 ) a plurality of side wall sections ( 19 ) having. The microtiter plate of claim 9, wherein at least one of the side wall sections ( 19 ) on a longitudinal side with a top wall section ( 18 '' ) connected is. A microtiter plate according to claim 10, wherein at least two contiguous side wall sections ( 19 ) Cover wall sections ( 18 '' ), which on adjacent sides of an obliquely oriented gate ( 21 ) exhibit. Microtiter plate according to one of Claims 1 to 11, in which the film ( 16 ) at the top of the frame ( 2 ) is arranged. Microtiter plate according to Claim 12, in which the base material ( 15 ) is opaque. Microtiter plate according to one of Claims 1 to 11, in which the film ( 16 ) at the bottom of the frame ( 2 ) and the base material ( 15 ) is transparent. Microtiter plate according to one of Claims 1 to 14, in which the graphic identification ( 8th to 14 ) on the base material ( 15 ) facing away from the film ( 16 ) is arranged. Microtiter plate according to one of Claims 1 to 15, in which the film ( 16 ) is a laminate having the graphic designation ( 8th to 14 ) between two layers of the film ( 16 ' . 16 '' ) having. Microtiter plate according to one of Claims 1 to 15, in which the graphic designation ( 8th to 14 ) on the base material ( 15 ) facing side of the film ( 16 ) is arranged. Microtiter plate according to one of claims 1 to 17, in which a in the top wall section ( 18 ) of the film ( 16 ) next to the rows and columns of the depressions ( 5 ) an alphanumeric identification ( 8th . 9 ). Microtiter plate according to one of Claims 1 to 19, in which the film ( 16 ) on at least one side wall section ( 19 ) comprises an identification. Microtiter plate according to one of Claims 1 to 19, in which the film ( 16 ) at a corner of its top wall section ( 18 ) at least one corner mark ( 10 ). Microtiter plate according to one of claims 1 to 20 with an offset printing on the film ( 16 ) applied graphic marking ( 8th to 14 ). Microtiter plate according to one of Claims 1 to 21, in which the film ( 16 ) is electrically conductive. Microtiter plate according to one of Claims 1 to 22, in which the film ( 16 ) comprises a transponder or other element for storing and noncontact reading or reading of data. Microtiter plate according to one of Claims 1 to 23, in which the material of the film ( 16 ) and the base material ( 15 ) are selected so that the material of the film ( 16 ) by the injection molding with the base material ( 15 ) occurring temperatures at the surface with the base material ( 15 ) is merged. Microtiter plate according to one of Claims 1 to 24, in which the material of the film ( 16 ) and / or the base material ( 15 ) PP and / or PS. Method for producing a microtiter plate, in particular according to one the claims 1 to 25, in which a film is inserted into an injection mold for the microtiter plate and is back-injected with a base material. The method of claim 26, wherein the film in cut bows the injection mold supplied becomes. The method of claim 26, wherein the film of a roll is separated and fed to the injection mold. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the Film is printed prior to insertion into the injection mold. A method according to claim 29, wherein the Fo lie is printed in offset printing. Method according to one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the Film that has a radiation with a certain properties dyeable colorant includes, after injection molding by means of radiation with at least one graphic marking is provided. Method according to one of Claims 26 to 31, in which the Foil on the printed side with the base material behind injected and after injection molding the film is separated from the base material so that the printing remains on the base material. Method according to one of Claims 26 to 31, in which the Foil by spraying with the base material on the surface with the base material is fused.