IST Scientific : What floorutions for the sealing of microplates?

IST Scientific designs microplate sealing solutions built for PCR/qPCR, screening and sample storage. Adhesive films, heat-seal foils and cap mats meet the needs of biology labs, quality control and automation platforms. The brand prioritises reproducibility, clean manufacture and compatibility with SBS microplates (96 to 1536 wells). The aim: safeguard your results, minimise evaporation and boost throughput, from the bench to robotics. Sterile options, low autofluorescence, and resistance to solvents and low temperatures ensure seamless integration into modern workflows, from preparation to archiving.

The sealing specialist that’s become a laboratory standard

Over the years, IST Scientific has established itself as a specialist focused on one clear, critical goal: delivering a reliable seal and reproducible results for microplates. By aligning adhesive formulations, heat-sealing films and standard plate geometries, the brand has built a portfolio that reflects how labs work today: higher throughput, miniaturisation, sensitive assays and operation on automated platforms. From manual solutions to consumables optimised for semi-automatic sealers and robotic systems, it has broadened its application coverage: PCR/qPCR, cell culture, chemical screening and long-term storage. The approach remains the same: carefully selected materials, batch controls and consistent performance to minimise evaporation, contamination and edge effects, while improving day-to-day traceability.

Expertise and areas of specialisation

IST Scientific’s strength lies in a coherent range of seals engineered for experimental performance and instrument compatibility.
• Adhesive seals: solutions for PCR/qPCR (low-fluorescence adhesives), breathable films for cell culture, solvent-resistant versions for compound work (compatible with DMSO), and high-integrity adhesives for short- to medium-term storage. Fast application, clean removal, controlled peel.
• Sheets for heat sealing: peelable, pierceable or permanent films as required, spanning wide temperature ranges (from thermocycling to –80 °C). Ideal to prevent evaporation and cross-contamination in screening and storage.
• Cap mats and seals for deep-well plates: homogeneous closure of 96/384-well plates, resistant to shaking, centrifugation and transport.

Designed around SBS formats (96/384/1536 wells), the range is optimised for manual and automated sealers (in sheet or roll format), with close attention to thickness consistency, flatness and the quality of the liners for incident-free deployment. Sterile and DNase/RNase-free options safeguard sensitive applications, while films with low autofluorescence preserve fluorescence and luminescence measurements.

For biology labs, quality control environments or high-throughput R&D, IST Scientific addresses very tangible pain points: minimising edge effects, protecting low volumes, ensuring uniform sealing well-to-well, and enabling a reliable peel at the critical moment. Coupled with Dutscher’s expertise (selection support, equivalences, compatibilities), the brand offers a robust answer from bench to automation.

IST Scientific products distributed by Dutscher

IST Scientific brand: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I choose between an adhesive seal and a heat seal?
Adhesive seals suit quick workflows and qPCR. Heat seals maximise seal integrity for screening and storage, with peelable or permanent options.

Are the seals compatible with all microplates?
The ranges target SBS formats (96/384/1536). Check well depth and plate material to select the right adhesive or foil.

What about temperature and solvent resistance?
Dedicated films cover PCR and storage down to –80 °C. Solvent-resistant versions are available for DMSO and organic compounds.

Are sterile and DNase/RNase-free options available?
Yes, sterile and DNase/RNase-free options are offered. Lot-specific certificates are available from Dutscher on request.

Are the films suitable for automation?
Yes, several seals are supplied in roll format and optimised for automated sealers/robots, with consistent thickness and liner for reliable unwinding.