Laboratory cloning cylinders: how can individual cell colonies be isolated?

Essential in cell culture, cloning cylinders let you isolate a single adherent colony to establish a monoclonal line after transfection, CRISPR editing, hybridoma fusion or antibiotic selection. Placed around a clone, they form a liquid-tight seal for a dissociation agent (trypsin/EDTA) and enable transfer without cross-contamination. Available in reusable borosilicate glass or ready-to-use sterile plastic, with various diameters and edge styles, they de-risk critical steps and keep your bench workflow smooth.

What are the different types of cloning cylinders?

A cloning cylinder (or cloning ring) is placed around an adherent colony to isolate it from the surrounding monolayer. A thin layer of sterile silicone grease (or an adhesive base, depending on the model) creates a liquid-tight seal; add the dissociation reagent, then recover the colony in suspension to re-seed a clean well.

Two main families:
• Borosilicate glass: robust, reusable, autoclavable, polished or bevelled rims for a stable seat. Excellent chemical resistance and visibility.
• Sterile plastic (often polystyrene): single-use, ready to go, limits cross-contamination and saves time. Adhesive versions available to avoid grease.

Selection criteria:
• Internal diameter (typically 3 to 10 mm) matched to the colony size and the geometry of the dish or plate.
• Height and rim finish (flat or bevelled) to optimise sealing and pipette access.
• Sterility, packaging (individually wrapped, bulk packs), certifications (DNase/RNase-free, non-pyrogenic).
• Compatibility with dissociation agents and cell culture-treated surfaces.
• Environmental impact: reusable glass (less waste), sterile plastic for zero reprocessing and traceability.

Type	Principle	Applications
Borosilicate glass	Reusable, autoclavable, polished rims	Intensive cloning, demanding protocols, solvents
Sterile plastic	Single use, ready to use	Rapid series, GMP-like workflows, when contamination risk is a concern
Adhesive plastic	Adhesive base, grease-free	Delicate surfaces, time saving, training

In which application areas is a cloning cylinder used?

The life sciences and biotechnology use it to obtain stable monoclonal cell lines after transfection or genome editing. In pharmaceutical settings, it is used to select producer clones (hybridomas, CHO cells) for antibody production. In academic research and CROs, it speeds up CRISPR clone selection, subpopulation isolation and assay standardisation. In virology, it helps with isolated plaque picking. In cosmetics and toxicology, it facilitates the creation of homogeneous cultures for reproducible tests. Some quality control laboratories use it to stabilise reference cell lines and improve the reliability of bioassays.

The various cloning cylinders available

Frequently asked questions about cloning cylinders

How do I choose the right cylinder diameter?
Aim for a diameter 1–2 mm larger than the colony to ensure a tight seal and allow the pipette tip through without shearing the cell monolayer.

Glass or plastic: which should I use?
Glass is durable, autoclavable and chemically inert. Sterile plastic saves time, reduces contamination risk and suits single-use batches.

How do I achieve a reliable seal?
Apply a thin ring of sterile silicone grease, place the cylinder without excessive pressure, and expel any trapped bubbles. Adhesive versions avoid grease on sensitive surfaces.

Can I use them with reagents other than trypsin?
Yes. EDTA, Accutase or other gentle enzymes can be appropriate depending on the cell line. Check compatibility with the culture surface and the detachment kinetics.

How do I sterilise a glass cylinder?
Clean, rinse thoroughly, then autoclave. Borosilicate glass also tolerates a quick flame pass. Avoid abrasives that scratch and trap contaminants.

Are plastic models reusable?
No. They are generally single-use and supplied sterile. Reuse increases the risk of contamination and deformation during cleaning.

Do the adhesives pose any risk to cells?
Quality models use low-cytotoxicity adhesives. Allow a few seconds for adsorption and avoid sliding to minimise cell stress.