Characterization of a cyclic olefin polymer microcentrifuge tube

Here, we describe the properties of a prototype microcentrifuge tube made from the plastic cyclic olefin polymer (COP). This material has been used in the manufacture of primary containers including syringes and vials for the storage, shipment, and delivery of biotherapeutics, vaccines, and cell therapy products. Its low level of extractable substances and metals along with its glass-like clarity make COP an attractive material for the fabrication of microcentrifuge tubes and other consumable laboratory plasticware where contamination is an important consideration, such as in the storage and analysis of labile proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites. We compare the performance of microcentrifuge tubes made of COP with that of several brands made of polypropylene (PP), the plastic most widely used in the manufacture of microcentrifuge tubes. Our results show COP microcentrifuge tubes perform as well as tubes made of PP, with reduced levels of compounds capable of leaching into solvents typically used in the laboratory.