Versatile wetting measurement of microplate wells

A method to measure the contact angle, which is indicative ofwetting, using small liquid volumes dispensed directly on microplate wells is described and demonstrated. Experiments with enhanced greenprotein samples of volumes 4.4 –6μl showed no measured variance in the contact angle. Experiments with phosphate buffersolution with varied concentrations of a non-ionic detergent (Tween 20) dissolved, however, revealed smaller contact angles with increased detergent concentration. It is experimentally shown thatdrops can be located up to 7 ° from the lowest position of the well without affecting the accuracy of contact angle measurements. Numerical simulations confirm the ability of thedrops to manifest the correct contact angle despite the lack of axis-symmetry in their shape while residing on a circularsurface. This method offers a convenient means to determine thewetting characteristics of different liquid samples in different microplates.

Source: Review of Scientific Instruments - November 9, 2016 Category: Physics Authors: Enoch Ming Wei Ng, Brandon Huey-Ping Cheong, Yang Yu, Oi Wah Liew and Tuck Wah Ng Source Type: research