Solution Offered by This Invention: �The multi-well plates of this invention provide venting through a filter element thereby permitting a sterile solution to remain sterile throughout lyophilization, even after the vacuum is released and air reenters the multi-well plate. Thus, a starting solution is simply filter-sterilized while in a relatively large volume, using a single filter and therefore suffering minimal loss and consuming little time. It is then aliquotted into a multi-well plate and lyophilized. The plate may then be transferred directly to the freezer, if desired. The compound is reconstituted when needed, and may then be used immediately without further filtration.

Potential Applications of This Invention: �All researchers worldwide who utilize sterile, labile compounds will have an interest in this product, including governmental, university, institutional, and drug company laboratories. Most notably in need are investigators involved in drug-testing, which is normally done either in cell cultures, laboratory animals, or humans, and which requires sterility of many aliquots of many drugs. Additionally, this product will have a large market relating to basic research utilizing microbial, plant, or animal cell or organ cultures, to which sterile compounds such as growth factors are commonly added. Research in drugs, growth factors, etc., is expanding ever more rapidly, and generally requires a cell culture system in which to study such compounds. Most of these compounds are quite expensive. Loss of potency during storage and loss of material during filtration are widespread problems which may be overcome with this invention. Therefore, there exists a tremendous need and immense market for these multi-well plates.