Pipette Tips and the Role of Filter Pipette Tips
Aug 01, 2023
Pipette tips are essential laboratory accessories used in various biological research experiments, and their usage is extensive. Most pipette tips available in the market are made of polypropylene plastic due to its high chemical inertness and wide temperature range. However, the quality of pipette tips can vary significantly. High-quality tips are typically made from virgin polypropylene, while cheaper options may be produced from recycled polypropylene (in which case, we can refer to them as mainly composed of polypropylene).
During the manufacturing process, many pipette tips also incorporate small amounts of additives, the most common of which are:
1. Colorants: These are added to distinguish different types of pipette tips in the market. For example, blue tips (1000 µl) and yellow tips (200 µl) are popularly known as pipette tips with specific colorants.
2. Release agents: These help the pipette tips separate quickly from the molds after forming. However, the more additives are used, the higher the probability of unwanted chemical reactions occurring during pipetting. Therefore, it is preferable to have pipette tips without additives, but such tips are relatively rare in the market due to the demanding production process.
The role of filter pipette tips:
Filter pipette tips, as disposable filter inserts for pipette tips, serve the primary purpose of preventing cross-contamination. Unlike other filter types containing enzyme inhibitors, the filter inserts supplied with pipette tips are made from pure, sintered polyethylene. The hydrophobic polyethylene particles in the filter prevent aerosols and liquids from being drawn into the pipette body.
The filters in pipette tips are machine-loaded to ensure they remain unaffected during manufacturing and packaging. They have been certified free from RNase, DNase, DNA, and heat origin contamination. Additionally, all filter tips undergo radiation sterilization after packaging to provide enhanced protection for biological samples. The use of filter tips prevents samples from damaging the pipette, significantly extending the pipette's lifespan.
When to use filter pipette tips:
Filter pipette tips must be used in all molecular biology applications sensitive to contamination. The filter tips help reduce the potential for aerosol formation, preventing aerosol contamination and, consequently, protecting the pipette shaft from cross-contamination. Moreover, the filter barrier prevents samples from being carried away from the pipette, thereby preventing PCR contamination. Filter pipette tips also block samples from entering the pipette during the pipetting process, protecting the pipette from damage. When detecting viruses, it is crucial to use filter pipette tips to isolate the viruses in the sample. Otherwise, viral transmission may occur through the pipette, leading to potential cross-contamination among different samples.
In conclusion, pipette tips and filter pipette tips are critical tools in biological research, ensuring accurate and contamination-free liquid handling. Filter pipette tips, in particular, play a vital role in preventing cross-contamination and protecting sensitive samples, making them essential in various molecular biology applications, including virus detection.
During the manufacturing process, many pipette tips also incorporate small amounts of additives, the most common of which are:
1. Colorants: These are added to distinguish different types of pipette tips in the market. For example, blue tips (1000 µl) and yellow tips (200 µl) are popularly known as pipette tips with specific colorants.
2. Release agents: These help the pipette tips separate quickly from the molds after forming. However, the more additives are used, the higher the probability of unwanted chemical reactions occurring during pipetting. Therefore, it is preferable to have pipette tips without additives, but such tips are relatively rare in the market due to the demanding production process.
The role of filter pipette tips:
Filter pipette tips, as disposable filter inserts for pipette tips, serve the primary purpose of preventing cross-contamination. Unlike other filter types containing enzyme inhibitors, the filter inserts supplied with pipette tips are made from pure, sintered polyethylene. The hydrophobic polyethylene particles in the filter prevent aerosols and liquids from being drawn into the pipette body.
The filters in pipette tips are machine-loaded to ensure they remain unaffected during manufacturing and packaging. They have been certified free from RNase, DNase, DNA, and heat origin contamination. Additionally, all filter tips undergo radiation sterilization after packaging to provide enhanced protection for biological samples. The use of filter tips prevents samples from damaging the pipette, significantly extending the pipette's lifespan.
When to use filter pipette tips:
Filter pipette tips must be used in all molecular biology applications sensitive to contamination. The filter tips help reduce the potential for aerosol formation, preventing aerosol contamination and, consequently, protecting the pipette shaft from cross-contamination. Moreover, the filter barrier prevents samples from being carried away from the pipette, thereby preventing PCR contamination. Filter pipette tips also block samples from entering the pipette during the pipetting process, protecting the pipette from damage. When detecting viruses, it is crucial to use filter pipette tips to isolate the viruses in the sample. Otherwise, viral transmission may occur through the pipette, leading to potential cross-contamination among different samples.
In conclusion, pipette tips and filter pipette tips are critical tools in biological research, ensuring accurate and contamination-free liquid handling. Filter pipette tips, in particular, play a vital role in preventing cross-contamination and protecting sensitive samples, making them essential in various molecular biology applications, including virus detection.
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