Applications
The µ-Plate 24 Well for Membrane Inserts provides optimal microscopy access using a two-position slide-and-lock mechanism, making it ideal for a wide range of cell culture applications:
Transmigration, Invasion, and Chemotaxis Assays
- Immune cell migration, tumour invasion, and transmigration using membrane inserts
- Directional cell movement in response to chemical gradients through membranes
Co-Culture and Cell-Cell Interaction Studies
- Spatially separated cultivation of different cell types on either side of the membrane
- Ideal for investigating paracrine signalling and intercellular communication
Transport, Permeability, and Barrier Function Assays
- Epithelial and endothelial barrier integrity under physiological apical–basal gradients
- Molecular transport across cellular barriers for e.g., drug absorption and diffusion studies
Apical–Basal Cell Polarity
- Apical–basal polarisation studies in epithelial and endothelial cells
High-Resolution Imaging and Analysis
- Live cell imaging and real-time monitoring through the optical bottom
- Fixation and staining protocols for high-resolution fluorescence microscopy
- Immunofluorescence staining and microscopy readout
High-Content Screening (HCS)
- Standardised 24-well format compatible with automated imaging systems for multiparametric screening
Technical Features
Automation
ANSI/SLAS (SBS) standard format suitable for automation and fluorescence scanners. Accommodates up to 24 cell culture inserts.*
Two-position Sliding Mechanism
Compatible with lab automation (robotic grippers).
- Culture position – Standard insert position (1 mm distance); recommended for cell culture.
- Imaging position – Moves the insert onto the coverslip (~0 mm distance); recommended for microscopy.
Compatibility
Compatible with 24-well-sized inserts from Greiner, SARSTEDT, SABEU, and Millipore; see compatibility list for details.
Staining and Microscopy
Excellent inner well flatness and whole plate flatness due to the #1.5 ibidi Polymer Coverslip. Compatible with staining and fixation solvents and immersion oils.
Material Properties and Handling
No autofluorescence, non-cytotoxic, and biocompatible in sterile single packaging.
* Membrane inserts are not included with this product.
The Principle of the µ-Plate 24 Well for Membrane Inserts
The ibidi µ-Plate 24 Well for Membrane Inserts features a two-position sliding mechanism that enables easy switching between cultivation and high-resolution imaging. By this innovative design, the membrane can be put close to the ibidi Polymer Coverslip Bottom for optimal microscopy, and then can be manually returned to the standard hanging position for continued cell culture—ensuring seamless integration with commonly used inserts.
Compatibility With Culture Inserts
The µ-Plate 24 Well for Membrane Inserts supports 24-well-sized membrane inserts from leading brands, including Millipore, Greiner Bio-One, SARSTEDT, and SABEU.
See the insert compatibility list for details:
| ibidi Product Name | Manufacturer | Compatible Catalog Numbers | |
| 82436 | µ-Plate 24 Well for Membrane Inserts Greiner/SARSTEDT | Greiner Bio-One | Greiner® ThinCert® Cell Culture Inserts: 662640, 662641, 662610, 662630, 662631, 662638 |
| SARSTEDT | SARSTEDT TC-Inserts: 83.3932.040, 83.3932.041, 83.3932.101, 83.3932.300, 83.3932.500, 83.3932.800 | ||
| 82446 | µ-Plate 24 Well for Membrane Inserts SABEU | SABEU | SABEU cellQUART® Cell Culture Inserts: 932 04 02, 932 10 02, 932 30 02, 932 50 02, 932 80 02, 932 04 12, 932 10 12, 932 30 12, 932 50 12, 932 80 12, 932 04 22 |
| 82456 | µ-Plate 24 Well for Membrane Inserts Millipore | Millipore | Millicell Hanging Cell Culture Inserts: PTHT24H48, PCHT24H48, PLRP24H48, PTRP24H48, PTSP24H48, PCSP24H48, PTMP24H48, PTEP24H48, PCEP24H48 |
Please note that only the above-mentioned products are compatible and support the full functionality of the µ-Plate 24 Well for Membrane Inserts. Other insert products are not compatible. Membrane inserts are not included with this product.
Advantages Compared to a Standard 24 Well Plate
Porous membrane-based cell culture inserts have become standard tools in cell and tissue culture due to their versatility and ease of use. Membrane inserts, also known as cell culture inserts, hanging inserts, permeable supports, or porous membranes, are well-established and widely utilized in many cell culture assays and experimental setups. Typical applications include co-culture, transmigration and invasion assays, air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures, chemotaxis, drug transport and barrier function studies, tissue engineering, and 3D culture models such as spheroids and organoids. However, standard multiwell plates often limit microscopy performance due to:
- Thick plastic bottoms and a significant distance between the membrane and plate bottom, that restrict the use of high-resolution objectives.
- High autofluorescence, interfering with fluorescence-based imaging.
To overcome these limitations, the ibidi µ-Plate 24 Well for Membrane Inserts bridges the gap by enabling seamless transitions between cultivation and imaging. The unique design allows researchers to position the membrane with cells close to the high-quality ibidi coverslip for live cell or endpoint microscopy, then return it to the hanging position for continued cultivation. This two-position sliding technology provides optimal optical conditions for microscopy while maintaining full compatibility with commonly used membrane inserts.
- Superior Imaging Performance – Designed for high-resolution and fluorescence microscopy with cell culture inserts.
- Uncompromised Experimental Conditions – Maintain your existing protocols, SOPs, and workflows without the need for adaptation.
- Compatible with Standard Inserts – Supports 24-well-sized membrane inserts from leading brands, including Millipore, Greiner Bio-One, SARSTEDT, and SABEU. See the insert compatibility list for details.
