Have you ever considered how contamination or evaporation could jeopardize your lab experiments?
Proper sealing techniques are essential for maintaining the integrity of laboratory specimens. Without them, the samples in your petri dish, test tube, or sample cup are vulnerable to contaminants.
This is why a tight seal on your lab equipment is so important.
Efficient sealing ensures the reliability of your research by:
Prevents moisture and evaporation,
Keeps the material composition of samples pure, and
Prevents cross-contamination.
But how can you be sure your sealing method is effective?
Enter Waxfilm, a specialised laboratory sealing film designed to safeguard sample purity.
In this blog, we'll explore why proper sealing techniques are vital in research applications. We'll also look at how using Waxfilm can enhance various laboratory settings.
The Importance of Proper Sealing Techniques
Proper sealing techniques are essential for maintaining the integrity of laboratory specimens.
Here's why:
Prevents Contamination. Unsealed or improperly sealed samples are vulnerable to environmental contaminants. This can alter their properties and lead to inaccurate results.
Maintains Sample Integrity. Effective sealing ensures samples remain uncontaminated and unaltered from the time of collection.
Eliminates Cross-Contamination. Properly sealed samples prevent cross-contamination between experiments.
Without a tight seal, samples can degrade or become contaminated, potentially invalidating entire studies.
Introducing Waxfilm: A Robust Solution for Sample Purity
Waxfilm is a versatile, self-sealing laboratory sealing film designed to protect your lab equipment and samples.
Engineered for superior strength and durability, Waxfilm minimizes moisture loss and maintains sample integrity, guaranteeing consistent and accurate outcomes.
Adaptable and Strong. Waxfilm stretches up to 400% of its original size, allowing you to create a strong seal on irregular surfaces.
Hydrophobic Properties. The water-repellent surface and tight moisture barrier effectively manage aqueous liquids.
Chemical Resistance. Waxfilm withstands exposure to polar substances like saline solutions, inorganic acids, and alkaline solutions for up to 48 hours, offering reliable performance across diverse lab applications.
Temperature Tolerance. It can withstand low temperatures down to -80°C, ensuring versatility for various lab conditions.
Unobtrusive Design. Odourless, colourless, and translucent, Waxfilm minimises the risk of contamination, evaporation, or data corruption.
Practical Applications of Waxfilm in the Laboratory
Waxfilm's applications in the laboratory are extensive:
Sealing Petri Dishes. Prevents contamination of microbial cultures during incubation, ensuring accurate results.
Securing Test Tubes and Flasks. Maintains sample integrity by preventing evaporation and contamination during storage and transport.
Optimizing PCR Experiments. Provides stable, uncontaminated conditions essential for precise molecular biology experiments.
Long-Term Sample Storage. Offers an airtight and watertight seal, preserving samples under specific conditions for extended periods.
These applications underscore the essential role of Waxfilm in diverse laboratory processes, making it a valuable asset for research applications.
Comparing Waxfilm and Parafilm M
When it comes to laboratory sealing film, Waxfilm and Parafilm M laboratory film are popular choices, but some key differences might make one a better fit for your needs.
Durability and Strength. Waxfilm is engineered for superior strength and provides a tear-resistant seal for various research applications. Parafilm M, while also stretchable, may not offer the same level of tear resistance and durability as Waxfilm.
Hydrophobic Properties. Waxfilm’s water-repellent surface effectively manages aqueous liquids, making it ideal for various liquid handling applications. Parafilm M lacks the same hydrophobic properties, which might be less effective in handling aqueous solutions.
Chemical Resistance. Waxfilm can withstand exposure to polar substances like saline solutions, inorganic acids, and alkaline solutions for up to 48 hours, ensuring reliable performance across diverse lab applications. Parafilm M offers good chemical resistance but may not match the prolonged protection provided by Waxfilm.
Temperature Tolerance. Waxfilm can withstand lower temperatures of -80°C, making it versatile for various research applications. Parafilm M is suitable for various temperatures but may not offer the same extreme low-temperature tolerance.
Unobtrusive Design. Waxfilm is odourless, colourless, and translucent, and minimises the risk of contamination or data corruption. Parafilm M is also clear and flexible but might not provide the same level of unobtrusiveness.
Cost-Effectiveness. Waxfilm provides a durable, long-lasting seal, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Parafilm M, while effective, may require more frequent replacements, potentially increasing long-term costs.
Permeability Rates
Waxfilm:
Oxygen: 150 ml/m²/day at 23°C and 50% relative humidity (ASTM 1927-98)
Carbon Dioxide: 1200 cc/m²/day at 23°C and 0% relative humidity (modulated infrared method)
Water Vapor (Flat): 1 g/m²/day at 38°C and 90% relative humidity (ASTM F1249-01)
Parafilm M:
Oxygen: ≤ 350 cm³/m²/day at 23°C and 50% relative humidity
Nitrogen: ≤ 105 cm³/m²/day at 23°C and 50% relative humidity
Carbon Dioxide: ≤ 1100 cm³/m²/day at 23°C and 50% relative humidity
By choosing Waxfilm, laboratories benefit from enhanced durability, chemical resistance, and temperature tolerance, making it the superior choice for protecting sample integrity and ensuring reliable results.
Ready to Invest in Accuracy with Waxfilm?
When it comes to lab supplies, having a high-quality laboratory sealing film, like Waxfilm is essential.
Whether you need a tight moisture barrier for experiments or a tight seal for storing your beakers, test tubes, Petri dishes, and other lab equipment, Waxfilm is perfect for protecting sample integrity and ensuring reliable results.
Ready to take the next step in protecting your research?
Buy Waxfilm today and experience the difference in your results.
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