A Broad Comparison Among Lab's Plastic Vs Glass Petri Dish

A Glass Petri Dish is a shallow, transparent dish made of glass, typically used in scientific research and microbiology. It is a versatile tool for cultivating cells, bacteria, and microorganisms. However, it allows scientists to observe their growth and behaviour under controlled conditions.

These culturing dishes also come in plastic variants. The purpose and use of these dishes are the same as glass ones. However, most scientists are divided in half regarding a better choice. A ratio of researchers prefer glass ones while the other half like plastic ones in their experiments.

What Are The Major Differences Between Plastic And Glass Petri Dish?

Whether it is a glass or plastic petri, both offer various benefits in the biological and experimental lab. Scientists can choose among two with this detailed comparison.

Here is a comprehensive comparison of both kinds of Petri vessels.

Materials Matter

• Plastic: Plastic petri culturing dishes are light and will not break easily. They are usually thrown away after use, which is good for big experiments. Think of them as the quick and light soldiers in the lab.
• Glass: Glass Petris are made from a special kind of glass that can handle heat and chemicals and is super clear. They can be used repeatedly and are like the sealable warriors in the lab, ready for any challenge.

Clear Optics

• Plastic: Some plastic Petris are clear but can be cloudy in their flat bottom. It makes it hard to see the tiny things inside. It is like trying to see through a foggy window.
• Glass: Glass Petris are crystal clear, so the researcher can see every tiny movement and detail of the living things inside, almost like watching them in high-definition.

Convenience To Clean

• Plastic: Plastic dishes cannot handle very high temperatures, making them unsuitable for super clean experiments. Some things might survive the cleaning process.
• Glass: Glass culture dishes can be cleaned at very high temperatures, leaving no room for anything to survive. They are like the toughest fighters in the lab, always ready to be perfectly clean.

Cost Comparison

• Plastic: Plastic 90mm Petri dishes are usually cheaper, which is great if the lab needs a lot of them for a big project.
• Glass: Glass dishes might cost more initially, but the researchers can use them many times, so they are a good investment over time. 

Environmentally Friendly

• Plastic: Most plastic petris are thrown away after use, adding to plastic waste. Some eco-friendly options exist, but they are not as common.
• Glass: Glass Petri vessels can be used often, which is better for the environment. They are like eco-friendly heroes, fighting for both science and a cleaner planet.

Therefore, these differences significantly determine which Petri Dish Sizes and types are most suitable for specific laboratory applications. Researchers and laboratory professionals should consider these factors when selecting glass and plastic Petris to ensure their experiments meet the required standards of precision and accuracy.

Common Uses Of Petri Culturing Dishes In Lab Setting

Petri culturing dishes is essential in laboratory settings, particularly microbiology and cell culture. Some Affordable Lab Cheap Petri Vessels can help scientists deduce the precise results in their complex experiments. 

Here are some common uses of Petri culturing dishes in a lab setting.

Cultivating Microorganisms

Petri containers are mostly known for growing bacteria, fungi, and other tiny living things. Scientists use a special jelly-like substance called agar in the dish and put a tiny bit of the living thing they want to study on it. This creates a safe space where these tiny creatures can grow, and scientists can watch them. The dish is see-through, which means scientists can easily see how these creatures grow, their appearance, and if they change colour.

Antibiotic Testing

Petris are important for determining if medicines, like antibiotics, work against different germs. Scientists put small discs with medicine on the agar plate with germs. Then, they see if a clear area forms around the medicine disc. The size of this clear area tells scientists how well the medicine is working. It helps doctors choose the right medicine to treat patients with infections.

Study Of Cell Growth

Petri containers are not just for tiny creatures; they can also hold cells from plants, animals, or even people. Scientists put special food and conditions in the dish that the cells need to grow. Then, they can see how these cells grow, divide, and change in shape. This is useful for studying how cells behave, especially in cancer research, how animals and plants develop, and finding new medicines.

Detecting Contaminations

Petri vessels can also be used to see if a place is dirty or clean. Scientists might press a dish against a surface, like a kitchen counter, to catch tiny living things that might be there. Later, they look at the dishes to see what grew and how many there are. This helps them check how clean or dirty a place is. 

In a discussion of plastic vs glass petri dish, the decision would be the nature of the experiment the scientist is conducting. If they want a disposable and cheap option, plastic is the answer. However, if they need a little more elegant and sensitive material for their experiment, a glass dish can serve its purpose well. 

If you are redoing the lab and stocking the essential items, Westlab Australia should be your go-to option. We made various lab equipment from high-quality and durable raw materials to ensure the lab's productivity. To get your equipment delivered to your doorstep, visit our website now!