48/96/384-well replicators and velvets: how can colonies be replicated without losing their spatial arrangement?

Essential in microbiology and genetics, the colony replicators deliver a synchronised transfer of dozens to hundreds of isolates from a source to target media, without losing the original geometry. Whether 48, 96 or 384 wells (pin tools aligned to the microtitre plate standard) or velvet (classic replica plating), they speed up phenotype screening, antibiotic selection, strain engineering and quality control. Materials in autoclavable stainless steel, uniform pressure, rapid disinfection: you gain throughput, reproducibility and traceability while reducing individual handling steps and human error.

What are the different types of replicators and how do you choose the right one?

Three families dominate. The 48-pin replicators offer broad pins for large colonies, mucoid yeasts or thick deposits; the moderate density simplifies visual control and limits cross-contamination. The 96-pin replicators align with 96-well microplates (9 mm pitch): the screening standard, combining throughput and readability. The 384-pin replicators (4.5 mm pitch) maximise the density for libraries and HTS, demanding immaculate seeding and sterilisation. Finally, the velvet replicator enables replica plating on agar: a sterile velveteen surface copies the topology of a master plate, then transfers it onto multiple media (antibiotics, carbon source, temperature), ideal for tests of syntrophy or auxotrophies.

Design-wise, favour conical or flat 304/316 stainless-steel pins, optionally spring-loaded to equalise pressure. Check sterilisation compatibility (autoclave, flame/ethanol, bead sterilisers) and ergonomics (insulated handle, orientation marks). Key criteria: number of positions, pin geometry (transfer volume), material, sterilisation method, Petri and microplate compatibility, and your target density/readout. Velvet (cotton/synthetic) is available as single-use sterile devices or autoclavable supports, reducing the plastic footprint versus disposable tips.

Type	Principle	Applications
48 pins	Broad pins, low density	Thick colonies, yeasts, visual inspection
96 pins	9 mm pitch, SBS standard	Routine screening, strain libraries
384 pins	4.5 mm pitch, high density	HTS, miniaturisation, high throughput
Velvet	Sterile fabric surface	Multi-medium replica plating on agar

In which applications is a replicator used?

• Life sciences: phenotypic screening, growth assays, selection of auxotrophs, yeast and bacterial strain collections.
• Pharmaceutical: susceptibility to antibiotics/antifungals on agar, culture media validation, mutant libraries.
• Agri-food: quality control of strains of technological interest, contaminant monitoring, tolerance testing (pH, salt, preservatives).
• Environment: water/soil isolates, parallelised stress assessment (temperature, metals, nutrients).
• Chemistry & biotechnology: engineering of micro-organisms, metabolic pathway optimisation, clonal banks.
• Cosmetics: efficacy and challenge tests on biocides/actives.
• Teaching: demonstrations of replica-plating and selection on selective media, with rapid, easy-to-read results.

Available replicators

Frequently asked questions about colony replicators

How can I avoid cross-contamination between wells or colonies?
Sterilise between transfers (flame, bead steriliser, autoclave), apply steady pressure, and align the tool precisely to the original grid.

48, 96 or 384 wells: which should I choose?
48 for bulky colonies and easy readout, 96 as the all-purpose standard, 384 for high-density screening and large libraries.

Does velvet replace a pin replicator?
It complements it: ideal for copying a Petri pattern onto multiple media. Pin replicators are preferable when working from/to microplates.

Which materials are best for sterilisation?
304/316 stainless-steel pins and autoclavable handles. Avoid polymers that are not compatible with high temperatures.

Can I transfer from a microplate to agar?
Yes, with 96/384-pin replicators at SBS pitch. Ensure brief, even contact for identical deposition across the entire array.

What volume does each pin deposit?
It depends on pin geometry and inoculum moisture (a few nL–µL). Choose conical/flat pins according to the desired loading.

How can I extend a replicator’s service life?
Clean immediately, dry to prevent corrosion, check pin alignment, and periodically verify in-use sterility.