Evaporation Control Cover for Multi-Well Sample Tray

Abstract

A cover configured to reduce evaporation from a multi-well sample tray while allowing sampling of materials contained in individual wells of the tray. The cover can directly engage the sample tray and move with the sample tray, or the cover can be stationary but allow the sample tray to move relative to the cover.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Biolayer Interferometry (BLI) is a commonly used analytical technique for measuring biomolecular interactions. BLI analysis typically employs a multiwell sample tray, with each well containing a biomolecule in a suitable liquid. A typical multiwell sample tray 2 has multiple sample wells 4 spaced at regular intervals and arranged in a rectangular arrangement. In most configurations, the sample tray 2 is mounted on a shaker or other device that provides sufficient motion to maintain the material 6 in the sample wells 4 in suspension. The continuous motion of the sample tray 2, combined with the small sample size, can result in the liquid material 6 being lost to evaporation from the sample wells 4, reducing the accuracy of the BLI analysis. See, for example, FIG. 10. Thus, a multiwell sample tray evaporation control cover that prevents or limits evaporative loss from the sample tray 2 would improve the accuracy of the BLI analysis. Preferably, the evaporation control cover accomplishes this objective while allowing BLI analysis without removing the evaporation control cover and while allowing for continuous motion of the multiwell sample tray. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0002] overview In one embodiment, the disclosure provides an evaporation control cover for use with a multi-well sample tray. The multi-well sample tray has a plurality of spaced sample wells defined by a perimeter of the sample wells, with additional sample wells disposed inside the perimeter of the sample wells. The evaporation control cover includes a plurality of sample holes disposed to correspond to the plurality of sample wells. The sample holes are defined by a perimeter of the holes, with the additional sample holes disposed inside the perimeter of the holes. Optionally, a fluid port disposed within the cover provides fluid communication through the cover. The sample holes located inside the perimeter of the holes have a first diameter, while the sample holes forming the perimeter holes have a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The evaporation control cover has a downwardly projecting flange configured to fit over the multi-well tray.

[0003] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an evaporation control cover for use with a multi-well sample tray. The multi-well sample tray is provided with a plurality of spaced apart sample wells defined by an outer perimeter of the sample wells, with additional sample wells disposed inside the outer perimeter of the sample wells. The evaporation control cover includes a top. The top includes a plurality of sample holes corresponding to the plurality of sample wells. Additionally, the top has a downwardly projecting flange configured to fit over the multi-well tray. The cover also includes a bottom. The bottom has a plurality of upwardly projecting ports providing fluid communication therethrough. The upwardly projecting ports are configured to fit over the plurality of sample wells. The bottom has an upwardly projecting flange configured to fit inside the downwardly projecting flange of the top. The upwardly projecting flange and the upwardly projecting ports define a reservoir suitable for holding a liquid. Additionally, the upwardly projecting ports provide fluid communication between the sample holes and the sample wells. This embodiment may include a wettable insert capable of absorbing and releasing liquid, the wettable insert having a number of insert holes corresponding to the number of sample wells.

[0004] In another alternative embodiment, the present disclosure provides an evaporation control cover for use with a multi-well sample tray. The multi-well sample tray is provided with a plurality of sample wells arranged in a spaced apart rectangular arrangement defined by a first perimeter row, a second perimeter row, a third perimeter row, and a fourth perimeter row. The perimeter rows defining the rectangular arrangement are provided with a first corner well, a second corner well, a third corner well, and a fourth corner well, in addition to the row of sample wells provided inside the rectangular arrangement. The evaporation control cover includes a top portion. The top portion includes a plurality of sample holes arranged in a rectangular arrangement corresponding to the plurality of sample wells, defined by a first top perimeter row, a second top perimeter row, a third top perimeter row, and a fourth top perimeter row. The top perimeter row further includes a first top corner hole, a second top corner hole, a third top corner hole, and a fourth top corner hole defining a rectangular arrangement, in addition to which a row of sample holes is provided inside the rectangular arrangement. The sample holes disposed inside the first top perimeter row, the second top perimeter row, the third top perimeter row, and the fourth top perimeter row have a first diameter. The sample holes in the first top perimeter row, the second top perimeter row, the third top perimeter row, and the fourth top perimeter row have a second diameter that is equal to or less than the first diameter. Additionally, the top portion has a downwardly projecting flange configured to fit over a multi-well tray. The cover also includes a bottom portion. The bottom portion has a plurality of upwardly projecting ports providing fluid communication therethrough. The upwardly projecting ports have a rectangular arrangement configuration corresponding to the plurality of sample wells. The rectangular arrangement is defined by a first bottom perimeter row, a second bottom perimeter row, a third bottom perimeter row, and a fourth bottom perimeter row. The bottom perimeter rows defining the rectangular arrangement have an upwardly projecting port at a first corner, an upwardly projecting port at a second corner, an upwardly projecting port at a third corner, and an upwardly projecting port at a fourth corner. In addition, a row of upwardly projecting ports is disposed inside the rectangular arrangement. The bottom has an upwardly projecting flange configured to fit inside the downwardly projecting flange of the top.The upwardly projecting flange and the upwardly projecting port define a reservoir suitable for holding a liquid. Additionally, the upwardly projecting port provides fluid communication between the sample hole and the sample well. This embodiment may include a wettable insert capable of absorbing and releasing liquid. The wettable insert has a plurality of insert holes in a rectangular arrangement corresponding to the plurality of sample wells. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a multi-well sample tray evaporation control cover.

[0006] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the evaporation control cover of FIG.

[0007] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a cutaway view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1, illustrating gap A and the multiple layers that make up the evaporation control cover shown in FIGS.

[0008] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a partial cutaway perspective view depicting one embodiment of an evaporation control cover installed over a multi-well tray, where the evaporation control cover moves with the multi-well tray.

[0009] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a partial cutaway perspective view depicting another embodiment of the evaporation control cover in which the evaporation control cover remains stationary while the multi-well tray moves underneath the evaporation control cover.

[0010] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 4 with an analytical probe penetrating into a sample well.

[0011] [Figure 7]FIG. 7 depicts an analytical probe penetrating another embodiment of the evaporation control cover, where the evaporation control cover has no bottom and no wettable insert, and where the evaporation control cover remains stationary.

[0012] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a partial cutaway perspective view depicting the embodiment of FIG.

[0013] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a partial cutaway perspective view depicting yet another embodiment of an evaporation control cover in which the evaporation control cover sits on and moves with the multi-well tray.

[0014] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a prior art diagram of analytical probes placed in the wells of a multi-well tray without an evaporation control cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Detailed Description The drawings included in this application illustrate certain aspects of the embodiments described herein. However, the drawings should not be considered as exclusive embodiments. For brevity and clarity of description, reference numbers may be repeated among different figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements, where appropriate, and the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, terms such as "about," "approximately," and variations thereof are used to indicate that a value includes inherent variation or error in the device, system, method used to determine the value, or in the variation present in the study subject. Finally, this description should not be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0016] 1-9 show an embodiment of the present evaporation control cover 10. As shown, the evaporation control cover 10 is particularly suited for use with a multi-well sample tray 2 having sample wells 4. A typical multi-well sample tray 2 has 96 sample wells 4. Of course, the configuration of the evaporation control cover 10 may be modified to accommodate multi-well sample trays 2 of different configurations.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 4, the evaporation control cover 10 may be configured to engage with the sample tray 2 and thereby move with the sample tray 2. In one embodiment, the evaporation control cover 10 may be designed to provide a tight engagement with the sample tray 2. For example, the evaporation control cover 10 may be configured to provide a friction or snap-fit ​​fixation to the sample tray 2. FIGS. 6 and 9 show examples of the cover 10 slipping over and engaging the sample tray 2. Typically, when the evaporation control cover 10 engages the sample tray 2, the holes 22 remain in a registered, aligned position over the sample wells 4.

[0018] Alternatively, the evaporation control cover 10 may be configured to remain stationary but allow movement of the sample tray 2. As shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, the evaporation control cover 10 may be configured to allow fastening of the evaporation control cover 10 to a surface outside the area supporting the multiwell sample tray 2. In this configuration, the evaporation control cover 10 may touch the top surface of the multiwell sample tray 2 as long as the contact does not impede movement of the multiwell sample tray 2. More typically, a small gap 9 is provided between the top surface 8 of the multiwell sample tray 2 and the bottom surface 46 of the evaporation control cover 10, sufficient to allow movement of the multiwell sample tray 2 relative to the control cover 10. Typically, the gap is between about 0.1 mm and about 1.0 mm. Gaps of 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, and 0.9 mm are also suitable.

[0019] One embodiment of an evaporation control cover 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1-6. As shown in the figures, the evaporation control cover 10 includes a top portion 20 and a bottom portion 40 with a wettable insert 30 held between the top portion 20 and the bottom portion 40. The combination of the top portion 20, the wettable insert 30, and the bottom portion 40 work together to reduce or prevent loss of liquid from the sample wells 4.

[0020] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that adding liquid to the wettable insert 30 improves the functionality of the evaporation control cover 10. The thickness of the wettable insert 30 may be greater than the distance A shown in the figures. Distance A corresponds to the gap between the upper surface of the bottom 40 and the lower surface of the top 20. Thus, in some embodiments, the wettable insert 30 may be compressed between the top 20 and the bottom 40, i.e., the insert 30 has a thickness greater than the distance A. Typically, the thickness of the wettable insert 30 is 1.59 mm. However, the thickness of the wettable insert 30 may be less than, equal to, or greater than the distance A shown in FIG. 3. Depending on the application of the evaporation control cover 10, the distance A may range from about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm, from about 0.25 mm to about 1.5 mm, or from about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm. The wettable insert 30 may be made as a felt, nonwoven, or woven fabric from a variety of materials capable of retaining liquid. For example, the felt may be made from polypropylene and polyester. Sponges made from silicone, polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene are also suitable for use as the wettable insert 30. Similarly, open cell foams made from silicone, polyurethane, or polyethylene are also suitable. Alternatively, blanket-like materials made from polyimide may also suffice.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1-2, 4-5, 8, and 9, the cover 10 includes an optional fluid port 24. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-2, 4-5, 8, and 9, the fluid port 24 passes through the top 20 to provide fluid communication to the interior of the evaporation control cover 10, including the wettable insert 30 and the bottom 40. However, the port 24 may take other forms. For example, as shown in Figures 1, 4, 6, and 9, an alternative opening 26 passes through the top 20 to allow access to either the wettable insert 30 or the reservoir 48 through which fluid can be added. The alternative opening 26 may be located in any convenient location on the side of the top 20. Although both the opening 26 and the port 24 are shown in Figure 1, typically only one of these two elements will be present. In most cases, the liquid used to wet the wettable insert 30 will be the same as the liquid used in the sample well 4, excluding the biological material being analyzed. However, any liquid that does not interfere with the analytical process and creates a sufficient partial pressure above the sample well 4 can be used. Typically, the fluid used to wet the wettable insert 30 is applied to the evaporation control cover 10 via the fluid port 24. Of course, the wettable insert 30 can be pre-wetted with the desired fluid before the evaporation control cover 10 is first assembled.

[0022] The wettable insert 30 may be pre-wetted by a variety of techniques, such as applying a seal (e.g., a film) to the top 20 and / or bottom 40 of the cover 10 to accommodate the wettable insert 30; placing the wettable insert 30 in a bag and sealing the cover 10 with the wettable insert 30; and / or placing one or more plugs around the holes 32 of the wettable insert 30. The plugs may be made from a variety of materials, such as elastomers or plastics. In other embodiments, other techniques may be used to pre-wet the wettable insert 30 with the desired fluid.

[0023] In alternative embodiments, the wettable layer 30 may be replaced with any suitable solution used to wet the wettable layer 30. Similarly, it is believed that placing a saturated salt or other compatible solution in the reservoir 48 will create a sufficiently humid environment above the sample wells 4 to provide the desired reduction in evaporative loss from the wells 4. For example, a saturated aqueous solution of potassium sulfate is known to create 98% humidity above the solution.

[0024] Top 20 includes a downwardly projecting flange 27. In the embodiment of Figures 4, 6 and 9, downwardly projecting flange 27 engages outer surface 3 of sample tray 2. In the embodiment of Figures 5, 7 and 8, downwardly projecting flange 27 further includes an outwardly projecting flange 29 suitable for supporting cover 10 or top 20 when top 20 as shown in Figures 5, 7 and 8 is used alone.

[0025] The top 20 includes a plurality of holes 22 that allow for fluid communication therethrough. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, 4-5, 8 and 9, the holes 22 are arranged in a rectangular arrangement in a plurality of rows. Thus, the holes 22 correspond in location to the locations of the sample wells 4. The plurality of rows of holes 22 are defined by a first circumferential row 52, ​​a second circumferential row 54, a third circumferential row 56, and a fourth circumferential row 58. As shown in FIG. 1, each circumferential row 52-58 shares corner holes or corner locations 62, 64, 66, and 68 with adjacent circumferential rows 52-58. Thus, the cover 20 is configured to accommodate a conventional plate arrangement for the sample tray 2. The cover 20 can be reconfigured to accommodate alternative sample tray 2 configurations.

[0026] Through multiple observations, it has been determined that sample wells 4 on the periphery of the multi-well sample tray 2 experience a higher rate of fluid loss due to evaporation than sample wells 4 on the interior portion of the multi-well sample tray 2. Therefore, to provide the desired evaporation control, the holes 22 on the top portion 20 have different diameters based on their location. The holes 22 located on the interior of the perimeter rows 52-58 have a first diameter (D1). The holes 22 on the interior of the perimeter rows 52-58 have a second diameter (D2) that is smaller than the first diameter, and the corner holes 62, 64, 66 and 68 have a third diameter (D3). The third diameter is equal to or smaller than the second diameter. Thus, the diameter at each location is

number

[0027] When the evaporation suppression cover 10 has a configuration similar to that of FIG. 4, i.e., when the evaporation control cover 10 engages with the sample tray 2 and moves with the sample tray 2, D1 can be in the range of about 0.7 mm to about 5.9 mm. More typically, D1 is between about 1.4 mm and about 4.8 mm. In most cases, D1 is between about 1.7 mm and about 4.4 mm. In this configuration, D2 is between 0.2 times D1 and 0.85 times D1, and D3 is between 0.15 times D1 and 0.7 times D1. For example, when D1 is 2.0 mm, D2 is between 0.4 mm and 1.7 mm, and D3 is between 0.3 mm and 1.4 mm. More typically, D2 is between 0.3 times D1 and 0.8 times D1, and D3 is between 0.2 times D1 and 0.6 times D1. In most cases, D2 will be 0.4 to 0.7 times D1, and D3 will be 0.25 to 0.5 times D1.

[0028] When the evaporation suppression cover 10 has a configuration similar to that of FIG. 5, i.e., the evaporation control cover 10 is stationary and the sample tray 2 moves underneath it, D1 can be in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 5.0 mm. More often, D1 is between about 0.7 mm and about 4.5 mm. More typically, D1 is between about 0.9 mm and about 3.9 mm. In this configuration, D2 is between 0.2 times D1 and 0.85 times D1, and D3 is between 0.15 times D1 and 0.7 times D1. For example, when D1 is 2.0 mm, D2 is between 0.4 mm and 1.7 mm, and D3 is between 0.3 mm and 1.4 mm. More typically, D2 is between 0.3 times D1 and 0.8 times D1, and D3 is between 0.2 times D1 and 0.6 times D1. In most cases, D2 will be 0.4 to 0.7 times D1, and D3 will be 0.25 to 0.5 times D1.

[0029] In some embodiments, a desirable reduction in evaporation from sample well 4 is achieved when D2 is 50% of D1 and D3 is 33% of D1.

[0030] As shown in Figures 2-3, the bottom 40 includes a plurality of upwardly projecting ports 42. The ports 42 are aligned with the holes 22. The ports 42 provide fluid communication through the bottom 40. In use, the upwardly projecting ports 42 and the holes 22 provide a passageway for the sensor probe 12 to penetrate the evaporation control cover 10 and enter a selected sample well 4. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2, 4-5, 8 and 9, the upwardly projecting ports 42 are arranged in a plurality of rows laid out in a rectangular shape corresponding to the rows of the top 20. Thus, the upwardly projecting ports 42 correspond to the locations of the sample wells 4. The plurality of rows of the upwardly projecting ports 42 are also defined by a first peripheral row 72, a second peripheral row 74, a third peripheral row 76, and a fourth peripheral row 78. As shown in Figure 2, each peripheral row 72-78 shares corner holes 82, 84, 86, 88 with the adjacent peripheral row 72-78.

[0031] The bottom portion 40 has an upwardly projecting flange 44 around its periphery. The area between the upwardly projecting flange 44 and the upwardly projecting port 42 defines a reservoir 48. The reservoir 48 receives wetting fluid through the port 24 or, alternatively, through another opening 26 that allows fluid to pass between the top portion 20 and the bottom portion 40 into the reservoir 48. Thus, the liquid held within the reservoir 48 helps to maintain the wettable insert 30 in a sufficiently saturated state to provide the desired evaporation control. Alternatively, as described above, the reservoir 48 can be used to contain the desired liquid without the wettable insert 30.

[0032] In some embodiments, the upwardly projecting ports 42 in the base 40 may have different inner diameters based on their location. The upwardly projecting ports 42 located inside the perimeter rows 72-78 have a fourth inner diameter (D4). The upwardly projecting ports 42 in the perimeter rows 72-78 have a fifth inner diameter (D5) that is less than or equal to the fourth diameter, and the corner holes 82, 84, 86 and 88 have a sixth inner diameter (D6). The sixth inner diameter is equal to or less than the fifth inner diameter. Thus, the diameter at each location is

number

[0033] In most cases, D1 is equal to D4, D2 is equal to D5, and D3 is equal to D6. Thus, when the evaporation suppression cover 10 has a configuration similar to that of FIG. 4, i.e., when the evaporation control cover 10 engages with the sample tray 2 and moves with the sample tray 2, D4 can range from about 0.7 mm to about 5.9 mm. More typically, D4 is between about 1.4 mm and about 4.8 mm. In most cases, D4 is between about 1.7 mm and about 4.4 mm. In this configuration, D5 is between 0.2 times D4 and 0.85 times D4, and D6 is between 0.15 times D4 and 0.7 times D4. More typically, D5 is between 0.3 times D4 and 0.8 times D4, and D6 is between 0.2 times D4 and 0.6 times D4. In most cases, D5 is between 0.4 times D4 and 0.7 times D4, and D6 is between 0.25 times D4 and 0.5 times D4.

[0034] When the evaporation suppression cover 10 has a configuration similar to that of FIG. 5, i.e., when the evaporation control cover 10 is stationary and the sample tray 2 moves underneath it, D4 is 0.5 mm to about 5.0 mm. More typically, D4 will be between about 0.7 mm and about 4.5 mm. More typically, D4 will be between about 0.9 mm and about 3.9 mm. In this configuration, D5 will be between 0.2 times D4 and 0.85 times D4, and D6 will be between 0.15 times D4 and 0.7 times D4. For example, when D4 is 2.0 mm, D5 will be between 0.4 mm and 1.7 mm, and D6 will be between 0.3 mm and 1.4 mm. More typically, D5 will be between 0.3 times D4 and 0.8 times D4, and D6 will be between 0.2 times D4 and 0.6 times D4. In most cases, D5 is 0.4 to 0.7 times the size of D4, and D6 is 0.25 to 0.5 times the size of D4.

[0035] In some embodiments, a desirable reduction in evaporation from sample well 4 is achieved when D5 is 50% of D4 and D6 is 33% of D4.

[0036] While the evaporation control cover 10 embodiment described above provides improved fluid retention and consistency across each well 4, an alternative embodiment in which each hole 22 is the same diameter and each extrusion port 42 is the same diameter will also provide improved fluid retention. See Table 2 below.

[0037] To provide passage for the sensor probes 12 through the evaporation control cover 10, the wettable insert 30 is provided with a plurality of holes 32. Thus, the holes 32 are similarly positioned as the holes 22 and the upwardly projecting ports 42, with the upwardly projecting ports 42 passing through the holes 32. Thus, the diameter of the holes 32 corresponds to the outer diameter of the corresponding upwardly projecting ports 42.

[0038] Tests were conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the evaporation control cover 10. Each test was conducted for 16 hours at 25° C. using a shaker operating at 1000 RPM. In the tests conducted using the evaporation control cover 10, the wettable insert 30 was a polypropylene material having a thickness of 1.6 mm. The wetting fluid was deionized water.

[0039] Table 1 serves as a control and reflects the fluid loss from well 4 without the evaporation control cover 10. As shown in Table 1, on average, each well retained only 41.5% of its original liquid volume. The standard deviation in Table 1 is 3.2% and the coefficient of variation (%CV) is 7 / 6%. Table 2 reflects the improvement obtained by using an evaporation control cover 10 in which all holes 22 are 3.4 mm in diameter. As shown in Table 2, on average, each well retained 93.2% of its original liquid volume. The standard deviation in Table 1 is 3.1% and the coefficient of variation (%CV) is 3.4%. Table 3 reflects a further improvement obtained by using an evaporation control cover 10 with holes 22 of different diameters as described above. In this example, the outer perimeter holes 22 (52, 54, 56, 58) are 2.4 mm in diameter, while the inner holes 22 are 3.4 mm in diameter and the holes 22 at locations 62, 64, 66, 68 are 2 mm in diameter. On average, each well retained 93% of its original liquid volume, as shown in Table 3. The standard deviation in Table 1 is 1.8%, and the coefficient of variation (%CV) is 20%. For clarity, in FIG. 1, and Tables 1-3, A1 corresponds to hole 22 at position 68, A12 corresponds to hole 22 at position 62, H1 corresponds to hole 22 at position 66, and H12 corresponds to hole 22 at position 64. The remaining positions in each table correspond to holes 22 in a similar manner.

[0040] Thus, use of the evaporation control cover 10 more than doubled the amount of liquid retained in each well 4. While the fluid retention provided by evaporation control covers 10 with identical holes 22 and evaporation control covers 10 with holes 22 of different diameters is essentially the same, the different diameter holes 22 provide a further improvement in consistency between wells 4. Clearly, the evaporation control cover 10 provides a significant improvement in the evaluation of analytes, as improved liquid retention increases the reliability of the analytical results. [Table 1] [Table 2-1] [Table 2-2] [Table 3]

[0041] In yet another embodiment, the evaporation control cover 10 has a configuration similar to that of FIG. 5. That is, the evaporation control cover 10 is stationary and the sample tray 2 moves underneath it. However, in an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the evaporation control cover 10 has only a top 20 due to a configuration lacking a bottom. In the absence of a bottom, the cover 10 also omits the wettable insert. The embodiment of FIG. 7 includes the same arrangement of holes 22 as described above and shown in FIG. 8. Specifically, the holes 22 located on the inside of the circumferential rows 52-58 have a first diameter (D1). The holes 22 of the circumferential rows 52-58 have a second diameter (D2) that is smaller than the first diameter, and the corner holes 62, 64, 66 and 68 have a third diameter (D3). The third diameter is equal to or smaller than the second diameter. Thus, the diameter at each position is

number

[0042] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the foregoing description merely enables and describes the general uses and manner of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the following claims define the true scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An evaporation control cover for use in a multiwell sample tray, wherein the multiwell sample tray has a plurality of equally spaced sample wells defined by the outer circumference of the sample wells, and further comprises additional sample wells located inside the outer circumference of the sample wells, and the evaporation control cover is as follows: A plurality of sample holes arranged to correspond to the plurality of sample wells, wherein a portion of the plurality of sample holes defines the inside of the evaporation control cover, which has the outer circumference of the evaporation control cover and the remaining plurality of sample holes located inside the area defined by the outer circumference of the evaporation control cover, The sample hole, having a first diameter and positioned within the defined interior, The sample hole having a second diameter and defining the outer circumference, A downwardly protruding flange attached to the evaporation control cover, configured to be fitted onto the multi-well tray from above, and An evaporation control cover comprising a wettable insert having multiple insert holes aligned with multiple sample wells, the wettable insert being positioned below the top.

2. The evaporation control cover according to claim 1, wherein the second diameter is different from the first diameter.

3. The evaporation control cover according to claim 1, wherein the cover is configured to be fitted onto the multiwell tray from above, and the cover remains stationary and does not obstruct the movement of the multiwell tray.

4. The evaporation control cover according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sample wells are arranged in a rectangular configuration, the plurality of sample holes are arranged in a rectangular configuration corresponding to the plurality of sample wells, the outer perimeter is defined by a first outer perimeter row, a second outer perimeter row, a third outer perimeter row, and a fourth outer perimeter row, the outer perimeter row defines the rectangular configuration having a first corner hole, a second corner hole, a third corner hole, and a fourth corner hole, and the sample holes located inside the area defined by the outer perimeter of the holes are arranged in an additional row.

5. The evaporation control cover according to claim 2, wherein the second diameter is approximately 0.2 times the first diameter to approximately 0.85 times the first diameter.

6. An evaporation control cover for use in a multiwell sample tray, wherein the multiwell sample tray has a plurality of equally spaced sample wells, some of the sample wells are defined as having an outer periphery and an inner side, and additional sample wells are located inside the area defined by the outer periphery of the sample wells, and the evaporation control cover is as follows: The top and below: A plurality of sample holes arranged to correspond to the plurality of sample wells, A downwardly projecting flange attached to the top, configured to be fitted onto the multi-well tray from above, The top portion having, The bottom, the bottom being as follows: A plurality of upwardly protruding ports, wherein the upwardly protruding ports provide fluid communication through the bottom, and the upwardly protruding ports are configured to correspond to the plurality of sample wells, An upwardly protruding flange attached to the bottom, configured to fit into the downwardly protruding flange at the top, A flange and a port that project upward define a reservoir suitable for holding liquid. The bottom and A wettable insert located inside the reservoir and including, and Herein, the upwardly protruding port provides fluid communication between the sample hole and the sample well. The aforementioned evaporation control cover.

7. The evaporation control cover according to claim 6, wherein the cover is configured to fit onto the multiwell tray from above, and the cover remains stationary and does not obstruct the movement of the multiwell tray.

8. The evaporation control cover according to claim 6, wherein the cover is configured to engage with the multiwell tray.

9. The evaporation control cover according to claim 1, wherein the downward-projecting flange is designed to be sized and shaped such that a gap is created between the multiwell sample tray and the evaporation control cover.

10. The outer perimeter of the sample well defines a rectangular arrangement having a first outer row, a second outer row, a third outer row, and a fourth outer row, and the outer rows define the rectangular arrangement having a first corner well, a second corner well, a third corner well, and a fourth corner well, with additional sample well rows arranged inside the rectangular arrangement. The plurality of holes at the top are arranged in a rectangular configuration defined by a first outer perimeter row, a second outer perimeter row, a third outer perimeter row, and a fourth outer perimeter row, corresponding to the plurality of sample wells, wherein the outer perimeter row defines the rectangular configuration having a first corner hole, a second corner hole, a third corner hole, and a fourth corner hole, and inside the rectangular configuration are rows of additional sample holes, and The plurality of upwardly projecting ports at the bottom are arranged in a rectangular configuration corresponding to a plurality of sample wells, the rectangular configuration having a perimeter defined by a first bottom outer row, a second bottom outer row, a third bottom outer row, and a fourth bottom outer row, the bottom outer row defining a rectangular configuration having upwardly projecting ports at the first corner, the second corner, the third corner, and the fourth corner, and an additional row of upwardly projecting ports is arranged inside the area defined by the rectangular configuration. The evaporation control cover according to claim 6.

11. The sample hole on the outer circumference of the hole has a first diameter, and The evaporation control cover according to claim 6, wherein the sample hole inside the outer peripheral hole has a second diameter less than or equal to the first diameter.

12. The evaporation control cover according to claim 6, further comprising a fluid port that penetrates the top portion and provides fluid communication with the reservoir.

13. An evaporation control cover for use in a multiwell sample tray, wherein the multiwell sample tray has a plurality of equally spaced sample wells arranged to define the outer perimeter and interior of the sample wells, the outer perimeter defines a rectangular arrangement, the rectangular arrangement having a first outer perimeter row, a second outer perimeter row, a third outer perimeter row, and a fourth outer perimeter row, the outer perimeter row defining the rectangular arrangement having a first corner well, a second corner well, a third corner well, and a fourth corner well, an additional row of sample wells arranged inside the rectangular arrangement, and the evaporation control cover is as follows: The top, which is as follows: A plurality of sample holes, configured in a rectangular arrangement corresponding to the plurality of sample wells, defined by a first top outer perimeter row, a second top outer perimeter row, a third top outer perimeter row, and a fourth top outer perimeter row, wherein the top outer perimeter row defines the rectangular arrangement having a first corner hole, a second corner hole, a third corner hole, and a fourth corner hole, and additional sample hole rows are arranged inside the rectangular arrangement. The sample holes located inside the first top outer perimeter row, the second top outer perimeter row, the third top outer perimeter row, and the fourth top outer perimeter row have a first diameter. The sample holes in the first top outer perimeter row, the second top outer perimeter row, the third top outer perimeter row, and the fourth top outer perimeter row have a second diameter less than or equal to the first diameter, and the plurality of sample holes A downwardly projecting flange attached to the top, wherein the downwardly projecting flange is configured to be fitted onto the multi-well tray from above, and The top portion having, The bottom, and the bottom is as follows: A plurality of upwardly projecting ports, the upwardly projecting ports providing fluid communication through the bottom, the upwardly projecting ports are configured in a rectangular arrangement corresponding to the plurality of sample wells, the rectangular arrangement having a perimeter defined by a first bottom outer perimeter row, a second bottom outer perimeter row, a third bottom outer perimeter row, and a fourth bottom outer perimeter row, the bottom outer perimeter row defining a rectangular arrangement having an upwardly projecting port at the first corner, an upwardly projecting port at the second corner, an upwardly projecting port at the third corner, and an upwardly projecting port at the fourth corner, and an additional row of upwardly projecting ports arranged inside the area defined by the rectangular arrangement, the upwardly projecting ports and, A flange that protrudes upward from the bottom, wherein the upward-protruding flange is configured to fit into the downward-protruding flange at the top, The upward-projecting flange and the upward-projecting port define a reservoir suitable for holding liquid. The bottom having, and A wettable insert located inside the reservoir, including, and Herein, the upwardly protruding port provides fluid communication between the sample hole and the sample well, in the evaporation control cover.

14. The evaporation control cover according to claim 13, wherein the cover is configured to be fitted onto the multiwell tray from above, and the cover remains stationary so as not to obstruct the movement of the multiwell tray.

15. The evaporation control cover according to claim 13, wherein the cover is configured to engage with the multiwell tray.

16. The evaporation control cover according to claim 13, wherein the second diameter is approximately 0.2 times the first diameter to approximately 0.85 times the first diameter.

17. The corner hole has a third diameter, The upward-projecting port located inside the rectangular arrangement has a fourth inner diameter, The upwardly protruding ports of the first bottom outer perimeter row, the second bottom outer perimeter row, the third bottom outer perimeter row, and the fourth bottom outer perimeter row have a fifth inner diameter which is less than or equal to the fourth inner diameter. The port projecting upward from the corner has a sixth inner diameter less than or equal to the fifth inner diameter. The evaporation control cover according to claim 13.

18. The evaporation control cover according to claim 13, further comprising a fluid port that penetrates the top portion and provides fluid communication with the reservoir.

19. Evaporation control cover according to any one of claims 4, 10, or 13, wherein the first corner hole, the second corner hole, the third corner hole, and the fourth corner hole have a third diameter, the third diameter being less than or equal to the second diameter, and the second diameter being less than or equal to the first diameter.

20. An evaporation control cover for use in a multiwell sample tray, wherein the multiwell sample tray has a plurality of equally spaced sample wells defined by the outer circumference of the sample wells, and further comprises additional sample wells located inside the outer circumference of the sample wells, and the evaporation control cover is as follows: A plurality of sample holes arranged to correspond to the plurality of sample wells, wherein a portion of the plurality of sample holes defines the inner surface of the evaporation control cover, which includes the outer periphery of the evaporation control cover and the remaining plurality of sample holes located within the inner surface defined by the outer periphery of the evaporation control cover, A flange configured to be fitted onto the multi-well tray from above, The evaporation control cover, including the said cover.

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