96-Well PP Microplate Lids — SBS/ANSI Footprint, Natural, Autoclavable (290-8020-03L)
These polypropylene (PP) microplate lids provide evaporation control, contamination protection, and stack stability for standard 96-well SBS/ANSI-footprint plates, supplied non-sterile in 15/Box (105/Case) for high-throughput workflows. The natural (transparent) construction lets technicians visually confirm well-filling status and plate contents without removing the lid, while precision-molded geometry ensures consistent friction engagement with standard 96-well plate flanges. Autoclavable at 121°C / 15 psi, these lids support contamination-sensitive cell culture applications where polystyrene alternatives cannot withstand sterilization cycles.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number (MPN) | 290-8020-03L |
| Well Format | 96-well, SBS/ANSI standard footprint |
| Material | Polypropylene (PP) |
| Color | Natural (transparent) |
| Sterility | Non-Sterile |
| Autoclave Compatibility | Yes — 121°C / 15 psi |
| Pack Size | 15/Box (105/Case — 7 boxes) |
| BPA / Phthalates | BPA-free; no phthalate plasticizers |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Applications
- Mammalian, insect, and bacterial cell culture incubation — lid geometry reduces evaporation and contamination while allowing CO₂ equilibration for gas exchange
- ELISA plate incubation during primary/secondary antibody and substrate steps
- PCR plate storage — prevents well-to-well cross-contamination during sample-loaded plate handling
- Compound library storage — polypropylene construction resists DMSO-containing small molecule plates where PS lids may degrade
- Cell-based assays (cytotoxicity, proliferation, reporter assays) requiring maintained humidity during extended incubation periods
- Biobank sample archiving — protects aliquot plates from freezer frost and cross-contact
- Automated liquid handling and robotic plate transport in SBS-compliant screening workflows
Compatibility
These lids are engineered to fit standard 96-well SBS/ANSI-footprint microplates, making them compatible with plates from major manufacturers including Thermo Fisher Scientific and Corning. The precision-molded flange engagement is firm enough to prevent accidental dislodgement during incubator stacking and robotic handling, yet allows the passive gas exchange required for mammalian cell culture CO₂ equilibration. Laboratories currently using OEM lids from their plate supplier can evaluate these as a direct cost-effective replacement; confirm fitment with your specific plate model before converting high-volume stock.
Chemical Resistance
| Reagent / Condition | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Aqueous buffers / saline / PBS | Excellent |
| Dilute acids and bases | Excellent |
| DMSO (compound storage concentrations) | Good — suitable for standard library storage |
| Ethanol (<70%) | Good — short-term contact |
| Autoclave sterilization (121°C / 15 psi) | Compatible |
| Acetone / chloroform / aromatic solvents | Not recommended |
Quality & Procurement
Made in USA, these Caplugs® Evergreen lids are manufactured under ISO 9001 quality management from BPA-free, phthalate-free polypropylene resin. LabSupplies.com is an authorized Caplugs® Evergreen dealer and ships from USA inventory, typically same business day for stocking items. The 15/Box and 105/Case pack formats are well-suited to tiered institutional purchasing, and volume pricing is available for core facilities, biotech screening groups, and grant-funded research programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these lids be autoclaved for use in sterile cell culture workflows?
Yes — polypropylene maintains its structural integrity through standard autoclave cycles at 121°C / 15 psi, making these lids suitable for sterilization prior to contamination-sensitive culture applications. They are supplied non-sterile, so autoclaving on-site is required if a sterile lid is needed.
Why choose a PP lid over a polystyrene (PS) lid for my 96-well plates?
Polypropylene offers broader chemical resistance than polystyrene — it is the better choice for plates containing DMSO-based compound libraries, solvent-exposed assay plates, or any workflow requiring autoclave sterilization, where PS lid integrity may be compromised.
Will these lids fit plates from Thermo Fisher Scientific and Corning?
These lids are designed to the SBS/ANSI standard footprint, which is the common form factor used by Thermo Fisher Scientific, Corning, and most other major 96-well plate manufacturers. Because individual plate flange geometries can vary slightly between product lines, we recommend confirming fitment with your specific plate catalog number before committing to full case quantities.
Do the lids allow gas exchange during CO₂ incubation of mammalian cells?
Yes — the friction-fit design provides a secure hold that resists accidental dislodgement during stacking and robotic handling while still permitting the passive gas exchange necessary for CO₂ equilibration in standard cell culture incubators.