🔴 Originally by 3M · Now by CDS Analytical
Empore™ 96-Well Plates
Process 96 samples simultaneously with Empore membrane technology. One plate replaces four separate runs on a conventional 24-position SPE manifold. Ideal for high-throughput LC-MS/MS sample preparation.
⚡96 Samples at Once
🛡1.2mL & 2.5mL
✓ 9+ Sorbent Chemistries
SPECIFICATIONS
Technical Specifications
Membrane Diameter
5.5 mm
Well Volume
1.2 or 2.5 mL
Membrane Thickness
0.75 mm
Bed Volume
18 μL
Plate Format
Standard 96-well
Plate Dimensions
ANSI/SLAS Standard
Membrane Composition
≥90% sorbent particles
Prefilter
Graded Density PP
Originally developed by 3M® in 1989. Manufactured in our GMP-compliant clean room in Oxford, PA.
Well Construction
What's Inside Every Well
Each of the 96 wells contains a precision-engineered three-layer assembly — built to handle complex biological samples without clogging.
1
Collar
The top opening of each polypropylene well. Two sealing rings — one below the Empore disk and a second above the prefilter — lock the layered assembly in place.
2
Empore™ SPE Membrane
The particle-loaded extraction membrane — ≥90% sorbent particles bonded in an inert polymer matrix. This is where extraction happens.
3
Proprietary, Multi-Layer Polypropylene Prefilter
Graded-density prefilter that captures particulates and macromolecules from serum, plasma, and tissue extracts — preventing clogging before they reach the membrane.
SELECTION GUIDE
Find the Right 96-Well Plates
8 in-stock sorbent chemistries in 1.2 mL and 2.5 mL well formats — with 30+ Empore™ chemistries available for custom orders.
Sorbent | Suggested Application | Well Volume | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
C8-SD | Moderately nonpolar analytes | 1.2 / 2.5 mL | 1 / 12 |
C18-SD | Strongly nonpolar analytes | 1.2 / 2.5 mL | 1 / 12 |
MPC-SD | Moderately nonpolar and ionized analytes | 1.2 / 2.5 mL | 1 / 12 |
SDB-XC | Water soluble, polar analytes | 1.2 / 2.5 mL | 1 / 12 |
SDB-RPS | Moderately nonpolar and cation exchange | 1.2 / 2.5 mL | 1 / 12 |
Cation-SR Exchange | Metal, amines, positively charged analytes | 1.2 / 2.5 mL | 1 / 12 |
Anion-SR Exchange | Chromium, arsenic, selenium, carboxylic acids, etc. | 1.2 / 2.5 mL | 1 / 12 |
UR (Universal Resin) | Mixed phase suitable for hydrophilic (acidic or basic) and moderately hydrophobic analytes | 1.2 / 2.5 mL | 1 / 12 |
Filter Plate | Removal of visible particulates | 1.2 / 2.5 mL | 1 / 12 |
The table above shows our in-stock 96-well plate sorbents. With 30+ Empore™ sorbent chemistries available across our product line, we can manufacture custom 96-well plate configurations to fit specialized applications and OEM partnerships. Contact us for custom sorbent requests →
1.2
mL
Standard Analysis
-
Sample volume: ≤ 500 μL
-
Typical LC-MS/MS workflows
-
Compatible with all major autosamplers
-
Highest throughput per plate
2.5
mL
Large Volume / Viscous Samples
-
Sample volume: ≤ 1,500 μL
-
Diluted plasma, urine, tissue extracts
-
Extra headroom for wash/elution
-
Best with positive pressure
Why Empore™
6 Reasons Labs Choose Empore™ 96-Well Plates
Built for high-throughput LC-MS/MS bioanalysis with the original particle-loaded membrane technology.
1
4× Throughput vs Manifolds
One plate processes 96 samples in a single run — replacing four separate runs on a conventional 24-position SPE manifold. The 8×12 microplate format aligns with industry-standard automation for end-to-end walk-away workflows.
2
Built-in Prefilter for Biological Samples
A proprietary multi-layer polypropylene prefilter sits above every well, preventing particulates and macromolecules from clogging the underlying sorbent. Serum, plasma, and tissue extracts flow through cleanly — no separate filtration step needed.
3
8 In-Stock Chemistries — 30+ Available
8 sorbents ready to ship: silica-based (C8, C18, MPC), polymer reverse-phase (SDB-XC, SDB-RPS), ion exchange (Cation-SR, Anion-SR), and universal resin (UR). Plus filter plates for sample clean-up. Need something else? We can manufacture custom plates from 30+ Empore™ chemistries.
4
Standard 8×12 Microplate Format
Empore 96-well plates use the standard 8 row × 12 column microliter plate footprint, making them broadly compatible with conventional SPE vacuum manifolds, positive pressure devices, and most standard liquid handling platforms — including our own EmporeOmics automated system.
5
Less Sorbent, Faster Workflows
The Empore membrane uses a fraction of the sorbent mass of loose-packed beds — meaning lower elution volumes, less solvent, and faster LC-MS sample turnaround. Cleaner extracts and less downstream evaporation.
6
Original Empore™ — Now by CDS Analytical
The particle-loaded membrane invented by 3M in 1989, now manufactured by CDS Analytical in Oxford, PA using original formulations and GMP-compliant processes. Same proven chemistry, direct from the manufacturer.
EXPLORE
Not Sure If a 96-Well Plate Is Right
Same trusted Empore™ membrane technology, different formats for different workflows.
RESOURCES
Resources for 96-Well Plates
Download technical documents and application notes
Plate Fines Evaluation
High-Throughput for Pharmaceutical Bioanalysis
Well Plate Drug Discovery and Development
FAQ