Correct Steps for Sealing PCR Plates

Presumably everyone has the experience of "filming", that is, sealing the 96-well PCR plate. Make sure the sealing film is attached to the 96-well plate to prevent the liquid from evaporating, so as to ensure the smoothness of the experiment. Today we will share how to properly seal the film.

1. Film

Remove a single sheet of sealing film from the ziplock bag and reseal the ziplock bag to maintain an enzyme-free environment. Keeping the backing side up, hold the cover film and slowly peel off the backing along the tangent. Then, stick one end of the adhesive side of the sealing film on the board, and master the distance and angle to avoid subsequent sticking. In the process of pasting, one end is pasted, and the other end is pulled.

2. Lamination

Use a lamination plate to slowly scrape the sealing film so that it all seals to the plate. If you don't have a dedicated lamination plate, you can find a card with a smooth edge, such as a bank card. The lamination step should be performed at least twice horizontally and vertically. Applying enough force (and not too much) is critical to getting a good seal. Scrape the lamination plate along all outer edges of the orifice plate at least twice, making sure to apply firm and constant pressure. Both the holes and the edges should be pressed again. For good results, be patient.

3. Check

After sealing, check the plate carefully to confirm that the film is tightly attached to the plate. Confirm the stick marks around each well, that the entire surface of the plate (including the perimeter) is sealed, and that there is no liquid on the membrane. The sealing film should not be wrinkled, if wrinkles are observed, the plate is not properly sealed.