For security reasons, you will be logged out in 4 minutesCannot be added!Your basket contains a blocked quote and must be finalised before you can order other items.Add to basket...Item added to basket
Express
orderBasket0
KnowledgeCatalogs
Services & supportInfo & Contact

Laboratory sealing films and mats: how can samples, microplates and work surfaces be protected?

Indispensable for routine work as well as research, sealing films secure your 96/384-well microplates, boxes and vessels: they minimise evaporation, prevent cross-contamination and deliver reliable readouts (fluorescence, luminescence, absorbance). Alongside them, bench pads and anti-vibration mats protect your surfaces, absorb spills and stabilise balances or other sensitive instruments. From molecular biology to HPLC, from cell culture to crystallography, choose a barrier tailored to your protocol… for crisp results and immaculate benches.

Which types of laboratory films and mats are available?

Depending on the assay and the platform, choose a sealing film with the right profile. For molecular biology (PCR/qPCR), optically clear films offer low autofluorescence and excellent flatness for sensitive detection. In fluorescence or luminescence, high transparency, surface cleanliness and controlled water-vapour permeability reduce background and condensation. In HPLC/LC-MS, select pierceable and solvent-resistant films (PTFE/PP) compatible with autosampler needles (acetone, methanol, DMSO). For cell culture, gas-permeable films allow O?/CO? to diffuse while limiting evaporation and contamination. Storage needs point to easy-peel films (short term) or heat-seal foils in aluminium/olefin, true vapour barriers from -80 °C through to shipment. In crystallography, look for low birefringence and flawless optics for imaging. Key criteria: plate compatibility (96/384), temperature, sterility, chemical resistance, pierceability, and automation.

TypePrincipleApplications
qPCR optical filmPolyester with high clarity, low autofluorescenceqPCR/fluorescence, imaging
Pierceable HPLC filmPTFE/PP solvent-resistantHPLC, LC-MS in microplates
Breathable cell-culture filmGas-permeable membraneCell culture, CO?
Heat-seal foilHeat sealing, vapour barrierStorage, transport, -80 °C
Crystallography filmLow birefringence, flatnessScreening, imaging

In which application areas are laboratory films and bench mats used?

• Life sciences: PCR/qPCR, ELISA, cell-based screening, protein crystallography, CO? culture with breathable films.
• Pharmaceutical/biotech: sealed HPLC/LC-MS plates, stable samples, end-to-end traceability and automation in QC/R&D.
• Agri-food and environment: microbiology, enzymatic assays, residues—where evaporation control safeguards accurate assays.
• Cosmetics and chemicals: kinetics, stability, solvent compatibility with pierceable films.

The different types of laboratory films available

Frequently asked questions about sealing films and mats

How do I choose a film for qPCR?
Choose a very clear optical sealing film with low autofluorescence, anti-condensation properties, and 96/384-well compatibility for precise reads.

Which film suits HPLC solvents?
A pierceable PTFE/PP film, resistant to acetonitrile, methanol and DMSO, that does not leach and is compatible with an autosampler.

Adhesive or heat-sealing: which to pick?
Adhesive is quick and easy-peel; heat-sealed gives the best vapour barrier for storage and transport.

Are cell culture films sterile?
Yes, sterile versions (gamma-irradiated), gas-permeable for CO?, limiting contamination and evaporation.

What temperature ranges can they withstand?
PCR films up to ~95 °C; storage at -80 °C. Heat sealing typically 160–200 °C depending on material.

How to reduce evaporation in 384 wells?
Use a barrier film, appropriate volumes, compatible plates, and humidify the incubator to balance humidity.