Microplate Readers and Reader Accessories
Microplate readers are a type of spectrophotometer designed specifically for analyzing multiple samples in multi-well plates.
The readers detect light signals that result from biological, chemical, biochemical, or physical reactions. The signals are produced by, converted by, or transmitted through the samples and are measured by a detector. The detectors are usually photomultiplier tubes (PMT), which convert the released photons into electricity. The current is quantified by the reader’s software to produce the numerical result.
In some cases, samples are first excited by exposure to light of specific wavelengths. Filters or monochromators are used to select or restrict the wavelengths needed for emission or detection.
Single-mode microplate readers commonly measure absorbance, fluorescence, or luminescence. Multi-mode plate readers may measure absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence with options for fluorescence polarization (FP). They may also include lasers for time-resolved fluorescence (TRF), TR-FRET, Amplified Luminescent Proximity Homogeneous Assays (ALPHA), and cell imaging.
Features may include:
- Monochromator- or filter-based wavelength selection
- Visible only or UV/Vis spectrum, fluorescence, and luminescence
- Multiple photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) for simultaneous assays
- Temperature and CO2/O2controls
- Modular design for adding functionality
Microplate readers are used for high-throughput screening (HTS), biomarker assays, nucleic acid and protein quantification, kinetics, ELISA assays, homogeneous time resolved fluorescence (HTRF) for measuring cytokines, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), and other techniques.
Molecular Devices Low-Volume Slide Refill Kit, 64-Well, Pack of 3
Replenishment kit of low-volume bottom slides for slide-based microplate readers. The kit includes three low-volume bottom slides, each with 64 wells, intended for low-volume absorbance and related assays.
- Contains three 64-well low-volume bottom slides.
- Intended for low-volume absorbance and slide-based assays.
- Supplies replacement slides to restore slide reader capacity.
Molecular Devices Absorbance Filter, 280 nm, 5.5 nm Bandwidth
Molecular Devices 280 nm absorbance filter designed as a replacement slide-style optical filter for select multimode microplate readers. The narrow 5.5 nm bandwidth enables precise absorbance measurements at 280 nm for protein quantitation and other absorbance-based assays.
- Provides narrowband absorbance detection at 280 nm with a 5.5 nm bandwidth.
- Optimized for protein quantitation and small-volume absorbance assays.
- Slide-style form factor suitable for insertion into accessory filter slots.
- Low stray light and high transmission within the passband.
- Intended as a replacement optical filter to restore instrument performance.
Molecular Devices Microplate Reader, Multi-Mode, Tunable Monochromator, 6-384 Well
The SpectraMax iD3 multi-mode microplate reader from Molecular Devices provides absorbance, fluorescence (top and bottom), and luminescence detection for 6-384 well microplates. It features a tunable monochromator with 1-nm increments, intuitive touchscreen control, and software tools for spectral scanning and assay optimization, enabling rapid assay development and reliable quantitative measurements.
- Multi-mode detection for absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence assays.
- Tunable monochromator with 1-nm wavelength increments for spectral flexibility.
- Broad wavelength coverage for diverse assay types, including UV and visible ranges.
- Supports 6 to 384 well plate formats for assay throughput flexibility.
- Intuitive touchscreen and software tools for quick setup and assay optimization.
- High photometric precision and repeatability for reliable quantitative results.
Molecular Devices Microplate Reader, Multi-Mode, 200-1000 nm, 90-240 V
High-performance multi-mode microplate reader for absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence assays. Supports plate and cuvette measurements, automated workflows, and controlled-temperature experiments.
- Multi-mode detection including absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, TRF, FP, and HTRF.
- Wavelength ranges: absorbance 200-1000 nm, fluorescence and luminescence 250-850 nm.
- Xenon flashlamp illumination with photomultiplier tube and silicon photodiode detection.
- Temperature control from ambient +2°C to 60°C.
- Automation ready with cuvette port, plate shaking, and robotics compatibility.
- Power input 90-240 V AC.
Molecular Devices Filter Lens, 405 nm, Optical, Microplate Reader Compatible
Molecular Devices 405 nm filter lens is an optical bandpass filter designed for filter-based microplate readers. It transmits light centered at 405 nm for selective detection in absorbance or fluorescence assays and serves as a replaceable filter accessory compatible with common filter-based readers such as EMax, VMax, UVMax, and ThermoMax models.
- Center wavelength 405 nm.
- Optical bandpass filter lens for filter-based detection.
- Replaceable accessory for microplate readers.
- Suitable for assays requiring detection near 405 nm.
Molecular Devices Microplate Reader, Absorbance, 340-850 nm, 96/384-Well
The Molecular Devices SpectraMax ABS is an absorbance microplate reader engineered for routine ELISA, microbial growth assays, and nucleic acid and protein quantitation. It provides monochromator-based wavelength selection, precise photometric performance, and temperature control for reliable plate-based absorbance measurements.
- Monochromator-based wavelength selection, 340-850 nm.
- Photometric range 0.000-4.000 OD, resolution 0.001 OD.
- Wavelength selection tunable in 1 nm increments, 2 nm bandwidth.
- Photometric accuracy < ±0.006 OD ±1.0% (0-3 OD), precision < ±0.003 OD ±1.0% (0-3 OD).
- Read time 8 seconds for a 96-well plate (kinetic interval).
- Compatible with 96-well and 384-well plates; supports flat, round, and half-area wells.
- Temperature control from 5°C above ambient to 45°C, uniformity ±0.75°C at 37°C.
- Dimensions 8 x 12 x 16.3 in, weight 25 lb; power 100-240 Vac, < 250 W.
Molecular Devices Photometric Filter, 340 nm, FilterMax F3/F5 Compatible
The Molecular Devices AD 340 photometric filter (P/N 6590-0019) is a single-wavelength optical filter centered at 340 nm, supplied as a slide-mounted accessory for multimode microplate readers that accept six-position filter slides. It is intended for absorbance and photometric assays requiring stable, narrowband wavelength selection and reproducible microplate measurements.
- Provides narrowband 340 nm wavelength selection for absorbance assays.
- Slide-mounted thin-film optical filter construction.
- Designed for use with six-position filter slide modules in multimode readers.
- Filter slot dimensions compatible with standard slide limits: excitation 12.2-12.7 mm, emission 17.7-18.0 mm, thickness 5.0-9.0 mm.
- Enables reproducible photometric measurements across microplate assays.
Molecular Devices Filter Slide, Empty, Excitation, 6-Filter Capacity
Empty excitation filter slide for FilterMax multi-mode microplate readers. Supplied unpopulated to allow custom installation of excitation filters for fluorescence and many luminescence methods. The slide installs into the instrument filter track and secures filters with small hex screws.
- Supplied empty for custom filter configurations.
- Accepts up to six individual filters per slide.
- Distinct sizes for excitation and emission slides to prevent misinstallation.
- Install and handle by the tab to avoid contaminating filter surfaces.
- When configured as an excitation slide, not compatible with fluorescence polarization (FP) methods.
Molecular Devices Fluorescence Polarization Filters, 590 nm, 20 nm
Fluorescence polarization emission filter set for fluorescence polarization and related fluorescence detection assays. The set includes two polarized emission filters and a holder for mounting in compatible filter-based fluorescence instruments.
- Set of two polarized emission filters for fluorescence polarization measurements.
- Center wavelength 590 nm, bandwidth 20 nm.
- One vertical and one horizontal polarized filter for polarization assays.
- Includes holder for secure filter mounting.
- Designed for use in fluorescence polarization and related fluorescence detection workflows.
Alkali Scientific ASI™ Black Confocal Dish 35 x10mm, Easy-Grip, Adhesion Type, Sterile, Non-Treated (Non-Charged/ Hydrophobic), 100/Cs, 22 x 22 x 0.13mm, Hole 3.14mm, PS/Glass
ASI™ confocal products allow researchers to acquire high resolution microscopic images of cells in 35 mm culture dishes or 6 well plates. Low auto-fluorescence glass and FLux were used, ideal for uses of these products are confocal microscopy, phase contrast microscopy, live cell imaging and micro-manipulations. Surface materials for confocal products:Glass: naturally charged, good growth surface for adherent cellsFLux: surface modified plastic film (188 μm thick), optimal for confocal microscopy Bottom materials: Glass/FLux (no surface treatment for glass bottom) Coverslip: #1.5 Dish color: Clear/Black Dish size: 35 Ø Hole size: 13 Ø / 20 Ø / 25Ø Non – pyrogenic Non – cytotoxic DNase / RNase – free Human DNA – free
Molecular Devices Multi-Mode Microplate Reader, Five-mode, 6-384 wells, Hybrid optics
The SpectraMax iD5 is a five-mode multi-mode microplate reader designed for routine and advanced laboratory assays, combining monochromator and filter optics with an intuitive touchscreen and SoftMax software to support absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, TRF, and FP workflows.
- Five detection modes: absorbance, fluorescence intensity, luminescence, time-resolved fluorescence, fluorescence polarization.
- Plate formats: compatible with 6 to 384 well microplates.
- Optics: hybrid monochromator and filter-based reads with xenon flash lamp.
- Detectors: photomultiplier tube and photodiode.
- Temperature control: 5 °C above ambient to 66 °C.
- Shaking modes: linear, orbital, double orbital.
- Software: embedded SoftMax Touch interface and SoftMax Pro compatibility for data analysis.
- Dimensions and weight: 15.79 x 20.94 x 23.54 in (40.1 x 53.2 x 59.8 cm); 88.1 lb (40 kg).
Molecular Devices Fluorescence Filter, 400 nm, 30 nm BW, Holder
This fluorescence filter with holder provides an optical band centered at 400 nm with a 30 nm bandwidth for use in microplate-based fluorescence assays, luminescence, and time-resolved fluorescence detection. It serves as an accessory optical element for multimode microplate readers.
- 400 nm center wavelength, 30 nm bandwidth
- Designed for fluorescence, luminescence, and time-resolved fluorescence detection
- Includes mounting holder for installation in standard filter slots
- Intended for use with multimode microplate readers and plate-based assays
Molecular Devices Fluorescence Excitation Filter, 465 nm, 35 nm, FilterMax
Replacement fluorescence excitation filter designed for use with Molecular Devices FilterMax family microplate readers. The filter is centered at 465 nm with a 35 nm optical bandwidth to selectively transmit excitation light for fluorophores with peak absorption near this wavelength.
- Excitation filter for fluorescence microplate measurement.
- Center wavelength 465 nm.
- 35 nm optical bandwidth (FWHM).
- Fits standard FilterMax filter slide assemblies.
- Used for fluorescence intensity and polarization assays.