Advanced permeable support systems for more biologically relevant cell culture models.
Millicell® cell culture inserts and plates are designed to support more physiologically relevant in vitro models by allowing cells access to media from both the apical and basolateral sides. This promotes improved cell attachment, differentiation, polarization, and function compared to traditional two-dimensional culture systems. Millicell® systems are widely used in transport studies, co-culture models, permeability assays, toxicity screening, and advanced cell biology applications.
- More in vivo-like cell growth: supports natural cell morphology and function
- Apical and basolateral access: ideal for transport and permeability studies
- Multiple membrane options: PTFE, polycarbonate and PET membranes available
- Excellent optical clarity: suitable for microscopy and imaging applications
- Optimised for differentiation: supports epithelial and endothelial cell models
- Sterile, ready-to-use formats: simplifies workflow setup
- Wide range of pore sizes and formats: suitable for diverse applications
Common Applications
- Cell migration and invasion assays
- Drug transport and permeability studies
- ADME/Tox workflows
- Air-liquid interface culture
- Co-culture and organotypic models
- Barrier integrity studies
- Immunocytochemistry and fluorescence imaging
Technical Advantages of Millicell® Systems
Traditional cell culture plates force cells into flat two-dimensional growth, which can alter morphology and reduce biological relevance. Millicell® permeable support systems allow nutrients, signalling molecules and metabolites to move across the membrane, helping cells behave more similarly to in vivo environments. This improves the predictive value of transport studies, toxicity assays and barrier models.
Millicell® inserts are commonly selected for applications where reproducibility, imaging quality, and barrier integrity are critical. The availability of multiple membrane chemistries and pore sizes allows researchers to optimise systems for specific cell lines and assay requirements.
Millicell® Standing Inserts
Millicell® standing inserts are designed for routine cell culture applications requiring apical and basolateral access. Available in multiple membrane materials and pore sizes for attachment-dependent and suspension cell culture workflows.

| Product Code | Format | Membrane | Pore Size | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PICM01250 | 24 Well / 12 mm | Hydrophilic PTFE (Biopore™) | 0.4 µm | Transparent low protein-binding membrane ideal for live cell imaging, differentiation and transport studies. |
| PICM03050 | 6 Well / 30 mm | Hydrophilic PTFE (Biopore™) | 0.4 µm | Large-area standing insert for advanced cell growth and differentiation applications. |
| PITP01250 | 24 Well / 12 mm | Polycarbonate (Isopore™) | 3.0 µm | Suitable for migration, invasion and co-culture applications. |
| PI8P01250 | 24 Well / 12 mm | Polycarbonate (Isopore™) | 8.0 µm | Optimised for cell migration and transmigration studies. |
Millicell® Insert Plates
Millicell® insert plates are designed for higher-throughput workflows and advanced screening applications. Optimised for epithelial and endothelial culture models, these systems support reproducible monolayer formation and efficient assay workflows.

| Product Code | Format | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PSHT004S5 | 96-Well Insert Plate System | Includes feeder tray and lid; designed for cell attachment, differentiation and permeability workflows. |
| PSHT004R1 | 96-Well Receiver Tray System | Complete receiver tray system for transport and barrier assays. |
| PSHT004R5 | 96-Well Receiver Tray & Lid Set | Optimised for automated and high-throughput cell culture workflows. |
Imbros can assist with choosing the correct membrane type, pore size and plate format for your application.







