Frequently Asked Questions

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cellQART® FAQ

I occasionally have a leak and will lose media. Sometimes there is ring of cells absent at the interface of the insert and the bottom of the well.

Try an insert with a lower pore density with clear membrane optics and optimize seeding density.

Is there a bibliography for cellQART®?

Yes, there is. You can view the bibliography for cellQART® <a href="https://www.sterlitech.com/cellqart-bibliography">here</a>.

Can cellQART® Cell Culture Inserts be used with solvent solutions?

When using or treating the cellQART® Inserts with solvent solutions (such as ethanol), it becomes important to carefully consider chemical compatibility and product selection. The cellQART® Inserts are made of two materials, the polystyrene housing and the polyester (polyethylene terephthalate) membrane. Any solvent solutions used with the Inserts must have reasonable chemical compatibility with both materials. Additionally, it is recommended to use Inserts with translucent membranes for solvent applications. The higher porosity translucent membranes intrinsically have stronger, and consequently more solvent resistant, welded bonds.

Can I perform Transepithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) measurements on tissue cultures grown in cellQART® Cell Culture Inserts?

Yes, TEER measurements can be made. However, it is very important that the electrode in the apical compartment never touches the cellQART^® insert membrane. Accidentally touching the membrane with the electrode can easily puncture the membrane or separate the membrane from the cellQART^® insert.

Do you provide custom cell culture inserts?

Yes, we have the capability to consider projects for developing customized cell culture inserts. Please contact your Sterlitech Sales Representative for further assistance.

Are the cellQART® Cell Culture Inserts membranes tissue-culture treated?

Yes, all cellQART^® membranes are tissue-culture treated to promote good cell attachment.

What is the difference between the clear and translucent polyester track-etch membranes?

The clear polyester track-etch membranes have sufficiently low pore density so that they are functionally transparent. This allows for optical microscopy through the membrane. However, their necessarily low pore density does limit diffusion.

The translucent polyester track-etch membranes have higher pore density for improved diffusion through the membrane. However, their high pore density results in a somewhat opaque appearance.

What type of membrane is used for the cellQART® Cell Culture Inserts?

All cellQART^® Cell Culture Inserts are made with microporous polyester (polyethylene terephthalate) track-etch membrane. The polyester track-etch membrane is heat welded to the inserts.

How are the cellQART® Cell Culture Inserts packed?

The cellQART^® Cell Culture Inserts are supplied as packs containing 48 inserts. The inserts are individually wrapped and sterilized by gamma irradiation.

Are the cellQART® Cell Culture Inserts supplied sterile?

Yes, the inserts are individually wrapped and sterilized by gamma irradiation.

What are the dimensions of the cellQART® Cell Culture Inserts?

The dimensions of cellQART® Cell Culture Inserts vary by well plate format and insert type. For the most accurate and up-to-date measurements, please refer to the https://www.sterlitech.com/media/amasty/amfile/attach/cellQART%C2%AE%20Well%20Plate%20User%20Guide.pdf, which includes detailed specifications for each insert size and configuration.

Are cellQART® Cell Culture Inserts compatible with standard well plates?

Yes. cellQART® Cell Culture Inserts are designed to be fully compatible with standard 6-well, 12-well, and 24-well plates. Their patented hanging design ensures accurate positioning within the well while maintaining excellent pipetting access for routine cell culture handling.

Are the cellQART® Cell Culture Inserts supplied with well plates?

Yes. cellQART® Cell Culture Inserts are available pre-loaded in compatible well plates for convenient, ready-to-use cell culture workflows. Visit https://www.sterlitech.com/cellqart-pre-loaded-in-well-plates.html to view available plate formats and configurations.