0.25 mL Conical Microcentrifuge Tubes — LDPE, Natural, Separate Snap Cap, 1000/Bag (214-3712-02S)
These 0.25 mL conical-bottom microcentrifuge tubes are manufactured from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in a natural (translucent) finish and packaged 1000/Bag for high-throughput lab environments. The defining advantage of LDPE over harder polymers is its flexibility — the tube walls yield under moderate finger pressure, enabling squeeze-to-dispense technique and significantly reducing brittle-fracture risk during cryogenic handling. Supplied non-sterile with a separate snap cap, part number 214-3712-02S is well suited to ultra-micro-scale PCR setup, serial dilutions, and cryogenic sample storage where tube compliance matters as much as volume format.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number (MPN) | 214-3712-02S |
| Capacity | 0.25 mL |
| Geometry | Conical bottom |
| Material | Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) |
| Color | Natural (translucent) |
| Cap Style | Separate snap cap (not tethered) |
| Sterility | Non-Sterile |
| Pack Size | 1000/Bag |
| BPA / Phthalate / Latex | BPA-Free, Phthalate-Free, Latex-Free |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Applications
- Ultra-micro PCR and qPCR reaction assembly where low extractables are required at minimal volumes
- Sequential serial dilutions and micro-volume sample preparation at the bench
- Cryogenic sample storage in liquid nitrogen (−196°C) and ultra-low freezers (−80°C or below), where LDPE's flexibility reduces brittle-fracture risk compared with rigid polymers
- Squeeze-to-dispense workflows that rely on LDPE's compliant tube walls to express contents under manual finger pressure
- Water bath incubation at temperatures up to approximately 60°C
- Microcentrifugation up to approximately 14,000×g — verify rotor adapter compatibility for your specific centrifuge model
Chemical Resistance
| Reagent / Condition | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Aqueous buffers and saline | Excellent |
| Dilute acids and bases | Good |
| Alcohols (ethanol, isopropanol) | Good — short-term contact acceptable |
| Many common organics (non-halogenated) | Good — verify for specific reagent |
| Chlorinated solvents (chloroform, DCM) | Not recommended |
| Aromatic solvents (toluene, xylene) | Not recommended |
| Autoclaving | Not recommended — LDPE thermal limit ~60°C |
Quality & Procurement
Made in USA, these Caplugs® Evergreen microcentrifuge tubes are produced from FDA-compliant LDPE resin that is BPA-free, phthalate-free, and latex-free, ensuring a low-extractable profile appropriate for sensitive molecular biology workflows. LabSupplies.com is an authorized dealer of Caplugs® Evergreen consumables and ships from USA inventory, typically same business day for stocking items. Volume pricing is available for institutional purchasers, grant-funded laboratories, and procurement teams ordering ten or more bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does LDPE differ from HDPE or polypropylene for microcentrifuge tubes?
LDPE is softer and more flexible than both HDPE and polypropylene. That flexibility allows technicians to compress the tube walls and squeeze out contents — a technique not practical with harder materials — and it reduces the risk of brittle fracture during cryogenic handling below −80°C. HDPE offers lower extractables and greater rigidity, making it the preferred choice for the most extractable-sensitive qPCR applications; PP is autoclavable and chemically resistant to a broader range of solvents. Choose LDPE when protocol compliance or cryogenic handling is the primary concern.
Are these tubes sterile, and can they be autoclaved?
No — they are supplied non-sterile, and LDPE is not suitable for autoclaving. The thermal limit for LDPE is approximately 60°C; exposure to autoclave temperatures will deform the tube. If sterile tubes are required, consider gamma-irradiated alternatives or UV-decontamination protocols appropriate for your application.
Does the separate snap cap create a hermetic seal for cryogenic storage?
The separate snap cap provides a secure closure for routine storage and centrifugation, but for long-term liquid-nitrogen immersion storage it is advisable to confirm seal integrity under your specific conditions. The snap-cap design is not tethered, so caps should be handled carefully to avoid mix-ups when processing large batches.
What other volumes are available in the same LDPE conical tube family?
Caplugs® Evergreen offers companion tubes at 0.4 mL (214-3714-020) and 0.5 mL (214-3715-020) in the same LDPE natural format. A tethered-cap 0.25 mL HDPE option is also available as 214-3417-020 for applications where a harder material or attached cap is preferred.