What does it mean for a plate to be "Aseptically Manufactured"?
Prior to treatment with an extra cellular matrix (ECM), the plates are sterilized. The ECM treatment is a process that utilizes sterile technique, but we cannot claim the product is "sterile" because it has been opened. If the product were to be re-sterilized after the treatment, the ECM coating would be ruined. For the purpose of using this plate in cell-culture applications, it is functionally sterile.
Should I use an opaque black/white immuno plate, or an "optical-bottom" design?
Opaque plates can only be used on top reader instruments, which detect (or, in fluorescence mode, excite and detect) from above the plate. Readers that detect from underneath the plate (or imaging systems) use optical-bottom plates, which have a black or white upper well structure and a transparent (polystyrene film or optical coverglass) bottom.