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When performing high-throughput cloning, having the right competent cells in the right format helps optimize your workflow. Invitrogen MultiShot formats of chemically competent cells are designed for compatibility with multichannel pipettes and automated liquid handling robots to streamline the bacterial transformation process.
MultiShot chemically competent cells are available in three packaging formats: StripWell, FlexPlate, and standard 96-well PCR plates. These formats offer flexibility in the number of transformations that can be performed at once while maintaining the same cloning workflow.
Watch the video to see how the StripWell and FlexPlate formats are used in the lab for different workflows.
Choose a format based on your need for flexibility and throughput.
![]() StripWell format | ![]() FlexPlate format | ![]() 96-well plates | |
Format description | 12 capped 8-tube strips in lidded storage rack | Foil-sealed 96-well break-away PCR plate that can be separated into 12 8-well segments | 5 foil-sealed 96-well plates |
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Best for | Flexible number of transformation reactions from 1 to 96 | High throughput cloning with ability to use part of the plate (multiples of 8) in a PCR plate format | Full-plate high throughput and automated cloning workflows |
Volume of competent cells per tube/well | 50 μL/tube | 20 μL/well | 15 μL/well |
Be confident in your competent cell supply. FlexPlate-formatted competent cells are heat-sealed using a foil seal that does not delaminate even at very low temperatures and is easy to remove. Competent cells can also be accessed by piercing the foil using a needle or pipette tip.
All Invitrogen MultiShot competent cells are conveniently supplied as a kit including SOC medium and control plasmid.
E. coli strain | StripWell format | FlexPlate format | 96-well plate format |
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TOP10 | C409601 | C4081201 | C40005 |
DH5α T1R | C449601 | C4481201 | – |
DH10B T1R | – | C6481201 | – |
Mach1 T1R | C869601 | C8681201 | – |
OmniMAX 2 T1R | – | C8581201 | – |
Stbl3 | C739601 | C7381201 | – |
BL21 Star (DE3) | C609601 | – | – |
See all products in this format | StripWell competent cells | FlexPlate competent cells | – |
In addition to competent cells, we offer a broad suite of products for the cloning workflow.
Explore types of bacterial growth media to use for cloning, plasmid DNA preparation, and protein expression.
Learn more about universal-fit electroporation cuvettes for use with competent cells.
Learn more about one-step PCR cloning that combines traditional restriction and ligation cloning.
Gibson Assembly cloning kits provide highly efficient, seamless cloning, enabling the assembly of multiple DNA fragments of varying lengths into any vector.
Have any questions on competent cells or transformation? Click on the resources listed below to access overviews, videos, genotype guides, and educational resources.
Review rich educational content on transformation workflow, troubleshooting, strategies, and selection guides.
Stay up-to-date on industry trends in molecular cloning with on-demand webinars.
Access white papers and technical and application notes on molecular cloning.
Watch instructional videos on troubleshooting tips, how-to videos, and explainers related to molecular cloning.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.