title: A direct heating model to overcome the edge effect in microplates.
abstract: Array-based tests in a microplate format are complicated by the regional variation in results of the outer against the inner wells of the plate. Analysis of the evaporation mechanics of sessile drops showed that evaporation rate increase with temperature was due to changes in the heat of vaporization, density and diffusion coefficient. In simulations of direct bottom heating of standard microplates, considerable heat transfer via conduction from the side walls was found to be responsible for lower temperatures in the liquid in wells close to the edge. Applying a two temperature heating mode, 304 K at the side compared to 310 K at the bottom, allowed for a more uniform temperature distribution. Transparency microplates were found to inherently possess immunity to the edge effect problem due to the presence of air between the liquid and solid wall.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Optics and Applied Mechanics, Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
authors.forename: Chun Yat
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Optics and Applied Mechanics, Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
authors.forename: Alifa Afiah Ahmad
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Zahidi
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Centre for Translational Medicine, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore.
authors.forename: Oi Wah
authors.initials: OW
authors.lastname: Liew
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Optics and Applied Mechanics, Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia. Electronic address: engngtw@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Tuck Wah
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Ng
mesh_terms: D019963:Clinical Chemistry Tests / Q000379:methods*; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D014835:Volatilization
keywords: Edge effect; Finite element; Heating; Microplate; Transparency