Laboratory tubes such as microtubes and centrifuge tubes are essential tools in most experiments.
But have you ever thought about the material they’re made from?
Although it may seem like a minor detail, the material of your lab tubes can significantly impact your experiment’s accuracy, reproducibility, and even safety. In this post, we’ll walk through two commonly used materials: PP (Polypropylene) and PS (Polystyrene)—what makes them different, and how to choose the right one for your work.
PP (Polypropylene) Tubes: The Lab Workhorse
PP is by far the most widely used material for lab tubes, and for good reason:
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Excellent chemical resistance: Stands up to acids, bases, and organic solvents
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High heat resistance: Suitable for autoclaving at 121 °C
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Strong centrifugation tolerance: Withstands high G-forces
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Flexible and durable: Less likely to crack or break under stress
→ Ideal for DNA/RNA extraction, protein purification, PCR, and more.
PP is the go-to choice for versatile, high-performance applications.
PS (Polystyrene) Tubes: All About Optical Clarity
PS, while less common for microtubes, is widely used in plate-based assays and specific tube types:
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Crystal-clear transparency: Great for optical measurements and cell observation
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Smooth surface: Naturally non-adhesive, suitable for non-adherent cell types
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Lower resistance to heat and chemicals compared to PP
→ Preferred for ELISA, colorimetric assays, and plate-based applications.
Common Mismatches in the Lab
Not all tubes are created equal. And choosing the wrong one can lead to trouble:
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Autoclaving PS tubes, only to find them warped afterward
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Tube cracking during high-speed centrifugation due to insufficient G-resistance
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Using non-adherent PS plates for anchorage-dependent cell lines
Even experienced researchers occasionally overlook the material specs—until something goes wrong.
Why WATSON Uses PP for Most Tubes
At WATSON, we use PP for the majority of our microtubes and centrifuge tubes. Here’s why:
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Excellent thermal and chemical durability
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High precision molding in Japan, ensuring tight tolerance and reproducibility
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Many tubes are certified RNase/DNase-free and Human DNA-free, ideal for molecular biology
For applications requiring optical clarity, we also offer PS-based plates and vessels.
In Conclusion: The Right Material Supports the Right Result
It’s easy to overlook material differences when tubes all look the same.
But that small detail can be the difference between a flawless run and a failed result.
Next time you reach for a tube, take a moment to check the label.
Choosing the right material might just save your experiment—and your day.