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HYPSELODORIS TRICOLOR
Sealing & Accessories
Sealing membranes, adhesive films, and cold blocks for PCR plates, qPCR, and sample storage. Protect your reactions from evaporation and cross-contamination.
Optical & Foil
Seal Types
-80 to 120C
Temperature Range
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Seal your plates, protect your reactions
Choose the right sealing method and cold storage accessories for your PCR and sample storage workflows.
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PCR Sealing Methods Explained
Proper plate sealing prevents evaporation, cross-contamination between wells, and signal interference during qPCR detection. Optical adhesive films are optically clear seals required for real-time qPCR instruments that read fluorescence through the top of the plate. Aluminum foil seals are used for sample storage, plate transport, and applications where optical clarity is not needed. Heat seals provide the most secure closure for long-term storage and robotic plate handling. Cold blocks and PCR coolers keep plates and reagents at 0-4C during reaction setup, preventing premature enzyme activity and improving PCR consistency.
SEALING METHODS
Which seal for your application?
| Seal Type | Material | Optically Clear | Pierceable | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optical Adhesive Film | Polyester or polypropylene | Yes | No | qPCR, RT-qPCR (top-read instruments) |
| Aluminum Foil Seal | Aluminum with adhesive | No | Yes (autosampler needle) | Sample storage, compound libraries, DMSO plates |
| Heat Seal Film | Polypropylene or aluminum | Varies | Yes | Long-term storage, robotic handling, -80C freezers |
| Silicone Cap Mat | Silicone rubber | No | No (removable) | Reusable sealing, sample storage, temporary closure |
💡Sealing Tips for Better qPCR Data
For qPCR: Use optical adhesive films and apply even pressure across the entire plate using an applicator paddle. Wrinkles or bubbles in the seal cause light scatter and increase well-to-well Ct variability. For storage at -80C: Use aluminum foil seals or heat seals - adhesive films may lose adhesion at ultra-low temperatures. For compound screening plates: Aluminum pierceable seals allow autosampler needle access while preventing evaporation of DMSO stocks.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Sealing & Accessories FAQ
Yes. Real-time qPCR instruments that read fluorescence through the top of the plate require optically clear adhesive films. Non-optical seals (foil, colored films) will block or scatter the excitation light and give no signal. Some instruments (e.g., Bio-Rad CFX) also accept optical flat caps on strip tubes, but plates require adhesive film.
Yes. Silicone cap mats are designed for multiple uses. They can be autoclaved (121C, 15 min) for sterilization between uses. Inspect the mat before each use - if any individual caps are deformed, torn, or no longer seal tightly, replace the mat. For PCR applications, we recommend single-use optical film instead of cap mats.
Our PCR cold blocks (coolers) are pre-chilled in a -20C freezer and maintain plates at 0-4C for 30-60 minutes on the bench, depending on ambient temperature. They accept standard 96-well and 384-well PCR plates. Some models also accommodate 0.2 mL strip tubes. Keep multiple cold blocks in the freezer so you always have a fresh one ready during long setup sessions.
We carry adhesive film applicator paddles (roller-style) that ensure even, bubble-free application of optical and foil seals. Proper application is critical for qPCR data quality. If you are using heat seals, you will need a plate heat sealer instrument - contact us for compatible sealer recommendations.
Need help choosing the right sealing method?
Our team can recommend the optimal seal type for your instrument, application, and storage conditions.