SpecPlate: Better Standard for Laboratory Analytics

SpecPlate during use in the analysis laboratory (Photo: PHABIOC)

Greater efficiency, speed, and precision in laboratory analyses as well as a drastically reduced material consumption: With the SpecPlate, the spin-off PHABIOC from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) replaces up to four traditional sample carriers with innovative design. Now, series production is starting.

The precise determination of the composition and concentration of samples is crucial, for example, in the development of medicines and active ingredients. In high-throughput quality assurance processes, microtiter plates made from high-quality plastics are currently used as standardized sample carriers, which are then disposed of. To reduce this extreme resource consumption in the laboratory, but also to accelerate analyses, the spin-off PHABIOC from KIT has developed the SpecPlate as an advanced microtiter plate. “Thanks to its enclosed, step-like measurement chambers, the SpecPlate allows four independent measurements in each sample,” says Dr. Carsten Radtke, co-founder of PHABIOC GmbH and former researcher at the Institute for Bio- and Food Technology (BLT) at KIT. “This means up to 75 percent less consumption of laboratory materials and a reduction of process time by two-thirds. This enables laboratories to perform faster, more cost-effective, and more sustainable analyses.”

Highest precision and compatibility

For a measurement, the SpecPlate uses only a small amount of sample material — just 36 microliters are needed. Its special construction ensures that the liquid precisely fills the measurement chambers and that no measurement errors occur due to inaccurate pipetting or the shape of the liquid surface. The different chambers also enable measurements across a broad concentration range without the need for dilutions. “A particularly advantageous feature is compatibility with industry standards, such as automated pipetting systems and plate readers,” emphasizes Radtke. The inlets of the measurement structures and the measurement chambers are precisely aligned with the grid of conventional microtiter plates. This allows seamless integration of the SpecPlate into established laboratory systems and processes. “With our technology, we rely on market-standard solutions but address their susceptibility to errors and limitations. We therefore see the SpecPlate as the better standard.”

Developed through research at KIT

The SpecPlate was originally developed in a working group led by Professor Jürgen Hubbuch (BLT). Together with industry partners, it was then brought to market maturity. A manufacturing partner in Germany ensures high product quality as well as short delivery and communication channels. “During the pilot phase, the SpecPlate received positive feedback from pilot customers, including some of the leading pharmaceutical companies,” says PHABIOC founder Carsten Radtke.