Microporous Membrane-Based Cell Culture
The Millicell Cell Culture Advantage
Millicell Cell Culture Inserts promote natural cell growth and incorporate unique design features to improve flexibility in today’s laboratories. Unlike cells grown on plastic plates, membrane-supported cell cultures are shown to mimic more natural cell behavior. Epithelial cells grown on microporous membranes demonstrate improved growth, structure and function. Membranes improve cell differentiation, increase the presence of intracellular organelles, and allow higher cell densities.Cells grown on plastic tissue culture plates can only be nourished with media from their apical side. With Millicell microporous inserts, cells are given a three-dimensional environment in which they can access media from both the apical and basolateral sides, resulting in improved cell morphology.
This environment allows epithelial and endothelial cells to attach to the membrane and form more in vivo-like structures. In addition, membrane-based cell culture allows researchers discreet access to both the apical and basolateral cell surfaces for experimental design.
Comparison of sertoli cells grown on plastic and on a Millipore membrane impregnated with reconstituted basement membrane (RBM) demonstrates that cells grown on Millipore membrane (bottom) form tall columnar monolayers with ovoid or pyramidal nuclei. |
Optimize Your Research
Millipore offers the largest selection of microporous membrane-based cell culture inserts. Today’s Millicell family includes single-well standing and hanging inserts, as well as 24- and 96-well cell culture systems. These products are compatible with imaging systems, as well as all tests for cell viability and monolayer integrity, including lucifer yellow, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEERS) and sodium fluorescein.For optimal assay results, begin by selecting a Millipore membrane based on your application needs and membrane properties.
A comparison of MDCK cells grown on impermeable tissue culture plastic and on a Millipore membrane (Millicell-HA insert). The graph identifies the regions of cell attachment, growth, and confluence that occur. An initial cell seeding density of 1.7x105 cells/cm2 was used for both substrates. The increase of cell count on the Millicell-HA insert is indicative of tall columnar growth of cells. |
Product Overview
Single-well Millicell Inserts Multiwell Millicell Insert Plates MultiScreen®-MIC Filter Plates |
Select a Membrane
Membrane Properties
| Characteristics | HA | CM | PCF | PET |
| Microscopically Transparent | NO | Yes | No | 1 µm only |
| Tissue Culture Treated | NO | No | Yes | Yes |
| Membrane Thickness | 120 µm | 50 µm | 10 µm | 10 µm |
| Matrix/ECM Coatable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Membrane Types Available:
Biopore Membrane (Hydrophilic PTFE)
For Low Protein-Binding, Live Cell Viewing, and Immunofluorescent Applications
Compared to other membrane matrices, this membrane exhibits little or no background when using fluorescent stains. It is also transparent to provide for optimum viewing of live cells. Biopore membrane is low protein-binding and requires extracellular matrix (ECM) coating for attachment dependent cells. ECMs are in the Proteins section of this handbook.
MF-Millipore Membrane (Mixed Cellulose Esters)
For Exceptional anatomical and Functional Polarization and Growth of Attachment-dependent Cells without Matrix
The surfactant free, mixed cellulose esters membrane can be used for cell surface receptor, in vitro toxicology, microbial attachment and polarized uptake assays. When compared to plastic, cells had two- to three-fold higher densities and a more cuboidal morphology with rounded nuclei.
Isopore Membrane (Polycarbonate)
For Growth of Attachment-dependent Cells without Matri
This track-etched, hydrophilic polycarbonate membrane is tissue culture treated to allow growth of attachment-dependent cells without the use of extracellular matrix (ECM). It is especially recommended for transport/permeability applications. The inserts are available in 5 pore sizes.
