Disclosed is a well insert for cell culture, including: a membrane support having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end being adapted to engage a well of a microplate so as to suspend the well insert therein; and a permeable membrane for supporting a tissue culture, the permeable membrane being attached at the lower end of the membrane support and sealed thereto, the permeable membrane being of brittle material. The membrane support is overmolded or fastened on to the permeable membrane so as be sealed thereto.