ARTICLE
Can Standard Self-Adhesive qPCR Sealing Films Be Used for Long-Term Storage at −80 °C?
The suitability of a self-adhesive qPCR sealing film for long-term storage at −80 °C depends on its temperature rating, adhesive performance, and plate compatibility. Suitability for qPCR thermal cycling alone does not establish suitability for prolonged frozen storage. Film integrity, seal reliability, and sample retention should be assessed under the intended conditions. Aluminium heat-sealing foil may be an option when validated with the plate and sealing equipment. Verify the selected combination under representative storage and freeze–thaw conditions before using it for valuable samples.
Standard self-adhesive qPCR sealing films should not be assumed suitable for long-term storage at −80 °C. Before use, check whether the specific film is rated for this temperature and intended storage duration. Compatibility with qPCR thermal cycling does not, by itself, establish suitability for prolonged frozen storage.
Potential Limitations at Ultra-Low Temperatures
Film integrity. Depending on the material and construction, a film may become less flexible at ultra-low temperatures, increasing the risk of cracking or damage during handling.
Adhesive performance. The adhesive must maintain an effective seal throughout storage and any planned freeze–thaw cycles. A film that has not been validated for these conditions may lose adhesion or develop gaps around the wells.
Protection against sample loss. Long-term sample retention depends on the film’s barrier properties and the integrity of the complete plate–film seal. Sample volume, storage duration, and freeze–thaw conditions should be considered when evaluating performance.
Choosing a Seal for Long-Term Frozen Storage
For samples stored at −80 °C, select a sealing film explicitly specified for the intended temperature, storage duration, plate material, and sample type.
Heat-sealing aluminium foil may be an option when the foil, plate, and sealing equipment are compatible and validated for the application. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for sealing temperature, pressure or force, and dwell time.
If considering LuxLok 100 μm aluminium heat-sealing foil, confirm the exact product’s −80 °C storage rating and compatibility with the relevant Agilent equipment and plate model before use. Foil thickness or a general compatibility claim alone is insufficient to establish long-term storage performance.
Before storing valuable samples, verify the selected plate–film combination under representative conditions, including the intended storage period and any planned freeze–thaw cycles.