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Cell culture inserts and compatible plates: how can barriers, co-cultures and cellular transport be studied?

Essential for modelling biological interfaces, cell culture inserts separate two compartments while allowing exchange through a microporous membrane. They enable co-culture, permeability assays, migration/invasion studies and air–liquid interface culture. Available in 6-, 12-, 24- or 96-well formats and in versions for 100 mm dishes, they fit SBS-standard plates and imaging, TEER and automation workflows. Dutscher selects sterile supports, TC-treated or ECM pre-coated, for reproducible, cross-laboratory comparable results.

What types of cell culture inserts are available, and how do you choose the right ones?

An insert combines a frame with a porous membrane (PET, PC, PTFE). The 6, 12, 24-well formats provide a comfortable growth area for epithelial or endothelial barriers. The 96-well inserts, with an SBS footprint, favour high-throughput screening. The 100 mm dish inserts maximise surface area for the ALI and tissue engineering.

On the membrane side, PET (polyester) is optically clear and imaging-friendly; PC provides well-defined pores for permeability assays; PTFE, being hydrophobic, is preferred for the air–liquid interface and often requires pre-wetting. Typical pore sizes (0.4 µm for solute transport, 3 µm for transmigration, 8 µm for invasion) guide selection by application. TC-treated or ECM-pre-coated (collagen, fibronectin) surfaces support secure adhesion and differentiation.

Key criteria: format (6/12/24/96 wells or 100 mm), material and optical clarity, pore size/density, growth area, TEER compatibility (“chopstick” electrodes), apical/basolateral volumes, sterile packaging (individual/tray), automation compatibility and anti-evaporation lids.

Insert typePrincipleApplications
6/12/24 wellsSuspended support, PET/PC membraneEpithelial barriers, co-culture, TEER
96 wells (HTS)Micro-inserts with SBS footprintPermeability screening, ADME, toxicology
100 mm dishLarge diameter, optimised ALIRespiratory epithelium, 3D tissues


Dutscher offers: 6, 12, 24, 96-well culture inserts, 100 mm dish inserts, and compatible 12/24/96-well plates, to build a coherent and reliable system.

In which applications are cell culture inserts used?

• Life sciences/Academia : barrier models (intestinal Caco-2, BBB, kidney, skin), apical/basolateral co-cultures, respiratory ALI.
• Pharmaceutical/ADME : permeability (Papp), transporters, drug–barrier interaction, 96-well screening.
• Cosmetics : irritation, skin penetration, differentiated epithelial models.
• Agri-food : bioavailability of nutraceuticals, microbiota–epithelium interaction in co-culture.
• Environment : ecotoxicology, aerosol exposure at ALI.
• Chemistry/Materials : diffusion, formulation/barrier compatibility.
• Quality control : batch-to-batch coating consistency, performance stability (TEER, confluence).

The different types of cell culture inserts and culture plates available

Frequently asked questions about cell culture inserts

Which pore size should I choose?
0.4 ?m for solutes and tight junctions; 3 ?m for transmigration; 8 ?m for invasion. Match to the cell type and the mechanism you’re targeting.

PET, PC or PTFE: what’s the difference?
Clear PET for imaging, PC with well-defined pores for precise measurements, hydrophobic PTFE for ALI cultures. Choose based on transparency, wettability and application.

Can an insert be reused?
Not recommended: risk of contamination and membrane alteration. Inserts are for single use to ensure reproducibility.

Are the inserts TEER-compatible?
Yes, if height and electrode access are suitable. Favour TEER-ready membranes and lids that limit evaporation to stabilise readings.

Should the membrane be pre-wetted?
For PTFE, yes: pre-wet with alcohol then rinse with PBS. TC-treated PET/PC wet with medium; avoid bubbles under the membrane.

96-well inserts: what are the advantages?
High throughput, SBS footprint, reduced volumes. Ideal for ADME/toxicology; check compatibility with automation and plate reading.

Receiver plates: do they make a difference?
Yes, geometry and surface treatment affect basolateral volumes, evaporation and TEER. Use appropriate 12/24/96-well plates.