VIDEO: Protect Cell Survival and Improve Research Results with Fluorodishes Cell Culture Dishes
WPI's FluoroDish™ tissue culture dishes provide exceptional imaging quality for many applications requiring the use of inverted microscopes such as high-resolution image analysis, microinjection and electrophysical recording of fluorescent-tagged cells. We have a 50 mm diameter dish and two types of 35 mm diameter dishes. Each fluorodish cell culture dish is engineered for clarity and reliability.
[by Alec Dickson]
What Makes FluoroDish™ the Researchers’ Choice for Cell Culture Dishes?
WPI's FluoroDish™ glass-bottom dishes (35 mm and 50 mm) feature 0.17 mm optical-grade glass bottom that supports short working distances, higher NA, and magnification up to 100x on inverted microscopes for sharper, brighter imaging.
The non-autofluorescent glass has better sensitivity and supports immersion objectives. Its low-cytotoxicity adhesive and stage-flush design aid cell viability and heat transfer.
They are individually packaged and gamma sterilized, and they are available in clear, coated, or black-wall formats for applications including live-cell imaging, microinjection, and electrophysical recording of fluorescent-tagged cells. It also works well for sensitive detection and repeatable results.
Better Optical Properties than Polycarbonate
Each WPI dish has a flat (0.17mm±0.01mm thick), optical quality glass bottom, allowing the use of a much shorter working distance, larger numerical aperture (NA) and higher magnification (up to 100X). The larger NA and higher magnification provide superior quality imaging for both classical and fluorescence microscopy. Higher effective NA yields brighter images for fluorescence and higher resolution in image analysis.
The glass bottom does not fluoresce like plastic culture dishes. The lack of autofluorescence ensures a lower background signal in the fluorescence measurements. That means you can discern smaller or weaker signals.
The glass bottom permits the use of immersion objectives with media such as water, glycerin or oil for the highest magnification possible. To optimize heat-exchange, WPI’s glass-bottom dish is designed to be flush (flat) with the microscope stage or heating unit.
The optical grade glass bottom of WPI’s Fluorodishes means you observe less optical distortion. You can do fluorescence microscopy with no autofluorescence. It also means you get superior UV transmission (30% Transmission at 300nm vs. 7% for competitor’s glass-bottom dish). And, WPI uses a proprietary low-cytotoxicity adhesive to ensures your cells’ survival.
FluoroDish™ Options Comparison Table
| Type | Clear Glass Bottom Dishes |
Coated Culture Dishes | Black Wall Culture Dishes |
| Key Features |
Coverslip-thin optical glass (0.17 mm) bottom for shorter working distances, support of higher numerical aperture (NA), and magnification up to 100x |
Available surface coatings promote adhesion & growth
|
Low background fluorescence minimize stray light for clearer imaging, making it ideal for live cell imaging, fluorescence microscopy, high resolution microscopy techniques, confocal microscopy, and inverted microscopy |
| Benefits |
Sharper, Brighter Imaging Compatible with Immersion Objectives Optimized for Heat Transfer |
Support High-Resolution Imaging Designed for Functional Assays Compatible with Microinjection |
Optimized for Advanced Imaging Techniques Improved Visibility in Dark Conditions Designed for Micromanipulation |
| Applications |
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Glass vs. Plastic: A Direct Comparison
| Property | Glass Bottom | Plastic (Polystyrene) |
| Optical clarity | High (uniform thickness, low distortion) | Variable (refractive index inconsistencies) |
| Autofluorescence | Extremely low | Moderate to high |
| Glass bottom thickness | ~170 µm (matches standard coverslip thickness) | Not applicable |
| TIRF/confocal suitability | Yes | Limited |
| Thermal conductivity | High (fast equilibration) | Low (prone to gradients) |
Ordering and Contact
You never need to question the sterility of WPI Fluorodishes. They are individually packed and gamma sterilized.
When you need quality glass bottom cell culture dishes with less optical distortion, excellent UV transmission, low cytotoxicity and guaranteed sterility, order WPI Fluorodishes. Give us a call today to discuss your application.
(866) 606-1974 toll-free in the USA
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes WPI's FluoroDish™ glass-bottom dishes better for imaging than standard plastic dishes?
They use 0.17 mm optical-grade, non-autofluorescent glass that supports shorter working distances, larger NA, and magnification up to 100x on inverted microscopes. So, they deliver brighter, sharper, higher-resolution images with less optical distortion and lower background noise. The glass also offers superior UV transmission (about 30% at 300 nm vs. 7% for a competitor's glass-bottom dish), improving sensitivity to weak signals.
Are these dishes compatible with inverted microscopes and immersion objectives?
Yes. FluoroDish™ culture dishes are designed for inverted microscopes and their coverslip-thin (0.17 mm) glass bottom supports short working distances and high-NA imaging. They permit the use of water, glycerin, or oil immersion objectives and are engineered to sit flush with the microscope stage or heating unit to optimize heat transfer, which is ideal for high-magnification, live-cell workflows.
What sizes, types, and coatings are available, and how do I choose?
Dishes are available in 50 mm and 35 mm formats (with two types of 35 mm) and come as uncoated, coated, or black-wall versions. Coatings include Collagen, Fibronectin, Poly-D-Lysine, Poly-L-Lysine, and Vitronectin to promote cell adhesion and growth (useful for attachment-sensitive lines and serum-free cultures). Choose black-wall dishes to minimize stray light and improve visibility in dark conditions. Use uncoated dishes for general imaging, microinjection, and high-resolution fluorescence work.
How do these dishes support cell health and sterility?
Each dish is individually packaged and gamma sterilized, and WPI uses a proprietary low-cytotoxicity adhesive to help ensure cell survival. The stage-flush design improves heat transfer and temperature stability during live-cell imaging and functional assays.
What applications are FluoroDish™ cell culture dishes designed for?
They support live-cell imaging and video, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, high-resolution techniques, microinjection, micromanipulation, functional and cell adhesion assays, electrophysical recording of fluorescent-tagged cells, cell attachment and expansion, serum-free cultures, cancer research, and dark-room imaging. When quality imaging is imperative, plastic petri dishes just don’t measure up.