Plates used in ELISPOT assays

Here we have some examples of some 96-well microtiter plates. The coloration seen in some of these wells is due to the chemical and biological processes which occurred in the porous membranes at the bottom of those wells. Researchers sometimes use transparent, membrane-less ELISA plates instead, since the absence of a membrane makes them vastly less expensive; however, their transparency can make them more difficult to use.

These particular plates were used in an ELISPOT assay. As a result, the coloration shown is actually caused by spots which were formed in the course of the assay. These spots are the 'footprints' of cellular secretions, made visible by a chromogenic substrate. A more detailed explanation of the ELISPOT process can be seen here.

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Last update: 1 September 2004