Nunc : What consumables for seeding, culturing, analysing and storing cells?

Under the Thermo Fisher Scientific banner, Nunc has become a lab standard for cell culture, imaging and biobanking. Its treated surfaces (including Nunclon Delta and Sphera), microtitre plates, Lab-Tek slides and cryovials deliver lot-to-lot reproducibility, controlled sterility and end-to-end traceability. From academic research through biotech/pharma to quality control services, Nunc safeguards the critical steps: seeding, culturing, analysing, preserving.

From Nunc to Thermo Fisher Scientific: 70 years of practical innovation

Founded in Denmark in the 1950s, Nunc A/S built its reputation on high-precision laboratory plastics. In 1995, the merger with Nalge created Nalge Nunc International, and integration into the Thermo Fisher Scientific group opened a new chapter: increased industrial capacity, harmonised global quality and an expanded portfolio. Over the decades, Nunc has shaped everyday lab standards: Nunclon Delta culture surfaces for adherent cells, Lab-Tek systems for imaging, and CryoTube vials for biobanking. With historic European manufacturing sites, the brand blends polymer know-how, rigorous quality control and a sustainability commitment backed by Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Expertise and areas of specialisation

The Nunc portfolio spans the entire workflow for cell handling and sample management. Upstream, its Nunclon Delta treated culture surfaces deliver uniform attachment for primary cells and sensitive lines, while Nunclon Sphera promotes spheroid formation. The brand offers ergonomic flasks, dishes and multiwell plates (including Edge plates engineered to mitigate edge effects), optimised for imaging, cell-based assays and screening. For microscopy, Lab-Tek and Lab-Tek II systems combine culture compartmentalisation with optical quality, reducing handling and sample loss. Downstream, Nunc cryotubes and biobank tubes support long-term storage in the nitrogen vapour phase, with barcoding and traceability options. All consumables are manufactured in controlled environments; they are sterile, non-pyrogenic, and tested for cell compatibility to ensure reproducible results. From academic R&D to QC/QA units and bioproduction, Nunc is trusted for lot-to-lot consistency, clear documentation (batch certificates) and the backing of a global leader. Being part of Thermo Fisher Scientific further strengthens regulatory compliance and a robust sustainability programme: waste reduction, energy-efficient sites, and innovation driven by real-world laboratory use.

Nunc laboratory products supplied by Dutscher

Frequently asked questions about the Nunc brand

Are Nunclon Delta surfaces suitable for sensitive primary cells?
Yes, they provide a uniform attachment surface chemistry, optimised for rapid attachment and stable morphology of adherent cells, including primary cells.

Are Nunc cryovials compatible with liquid nitrogen?
They are designed for long-term storage in nitrogen vapour phase. Follow the recommended closure and handling practices to ensure safety and seal integrity.

Which Nunc solutions are available for 3D culture?
Nunclon Sphera surfaces promote the formation of uniform spheroids, useful in oncology, toxicology and phenotypic screening.

Do Nunc products come with certificates?
Most critical items are supplied sterile, tested non-pyrogenic, with a Certificate of Conformance and lot traceability available for quality assurance.

What sets Nunc Edge plates apart?
A design that minimises evaporation and edge effects, delivering more uniform signals in cell culture and sensitive assays.

What is the CSR policy for Nunc?
As part of Thermo Fisher, Nunc is aligned with initiatives to reduce environmental footprint, optimise packaging and drive continuous improvement across manufacturing sites.