Sealers#

In automated wet lab workflows, microplate sealers are essential for preserving sample integrity. They prevent evaporation, cross-contamination, and spillage, especially during heating, shaking, storage, or robotic transport.

PyLabRobot supports integration with various sealer machines, allowing you to programmatically seal plates as part of your automation workflows.

Types of Sealers#

There are two primary categories of sealers commonly used in automated labs:

Thermal Sealers#

These use heat and pressure to bond a sealing film (typically foil or heat-reactive plastic) to the top of the microplate.

  • Examples: Azenta a4S, Bio-Rad PX1, Agilent PlateLoc (thermal mode)

  • Best for: Long-term storage, PCR/qPCR workflows, high-integrity applications

  • Pros:

    • Very strong seal (potentially, depends on chosen parameters)

    • Compatible with a wide range of films

  • Cons:

    • Slower sealing time (typically 5–10 seconds per plate)

    • Requires warm-up time

    • May need precise plate/film alignment

    • When peeled, thermal seals remove (at least some) well material. Thermal seals might therefore only be usable until too much well material has been ripped off.

Adhesive (Pressure) Sealers#

These apply pre-cut adhesive seals to the plate using downward mechanical pressure. They do not use heat, making them faster and simpler for certain workflows.

  • Examples: Agilent PlateLoc (adhesive mode), Thermo ALPS5000 (in adhesive mode)

  • Best for: Medium-throughput workflows, frequent access, short-term incubation

  • Pros:

    • Faster (as low as 1–2 seconds per plate)

    • No warm-up period

    • Compatible with repeelable seals

  • Cons:

    • Weaker seal compared to thermal

    • Not suitable for long-term storage or high-temperature protocols