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.
Perkin Elmer US LLC Capillary Injector with PPC, 120 V
The AutoSystem XL must be PPC (Programmable Pneumatic Control) ready. If not, a PPC upgrade kit (N6120146) is required. Installation by PerkinElmer Service is required, but not included.
Molecular Devices Multi-Mode Microplate Reader, Dual Monochromator, 6-384-Well
The SpectraMax M3 multi-mode microplate reader is a configurable, high-performance instrument for absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence assays, designed for both research and regulated laboratory environments. It combines tunable optics with flexible plate handling and compliance-capable analysis software.
- Dual monochromator optics, tunable in 1-nm increments
- Detection modes include absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, fluorescence polarization, and time-resolved assays
- Supports 6- to 384-well microplates, with top and bottom reading options
- High-sensitivity detectors with xenon flash lamp illumination
- Software features secure data acquisition and 21 CFR Part 11-compatible controls
Molecular Devices Polarization Emission Filter, Visible, Pair, For FilterMax Readers
Replacement polarization emission filter set for fluorescence polarization measurements in multi-mode microplate readers. Supplied as a pair (quantity 2), these emission filters are intended to enable polarization-based fluorescence detection and improve signal discrimination in applicable assays.
- Replacement emission filters for fluorescence polarization assays.
- Visible emission band, vendor designation "Visible".
- Sold as a pair (quantity 2) for filter-based reader configurations.
- Intended for compatible multi-mode microplate readers.
- Helps improve polarization signal discrimination and assay reproducibility.
Molecular Devices Time-Resolved Filter, 350 nm, 60 nm Bandwidth
This time-resolved excitation filter selects short-wavelength excitation light centered at 350 nm with a 60 nm full width, for use in time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) assays on compatible filter-based microplate readers. It is intended for applications that require narrow-band excitation around 350 nm for TRF measurements.
- Time-resolved excitation filter.
- Center wavelength 350 nm.
- Bandwidth 60 nm (full width).
- Optimized for time-resolved fluorescence assays.
- Compatible with SpectraMax iD5 filter module and similar readers.
- Fits standard filter holder assemblies in compatible readers.
Molecular Devices Absorbance Filter, 548 nm, 8 nm BW
Molecular Devices absorbance filter providing narrow-band absorbance detection centered at 548 nm with an 8 nm full bandwidth. Intended as a replacement or accessory filter for FilterMax microplate readers, it enables absorbance-based assays that require precise 548 nm detection.
- Narrow-band center wavelength of 548 nm for specific absorbance assays.
- 8 nm full bandwidth to improve wavelength selectivity and reduce crosstalk.
- Compatible with filter-based microplate reader absorbance modules.
- Supplied as a single unit for straightforward replacement.
- Suitable for absorbance-based assays requiring 548 nm detection.
Molecular Devices Photometric Absorbance Filter, 470 nm, 8 nm Bandwidth
The AD 340 photometric filter centered at 470 nm is an absorbance accessory designed for narrowband photometric measurements in microplate assays. It delivers wavelength-specific absorbance detection for filter-based workflows and is intended for compatible multimode microplate readers.
- Absorbance filter for photometric measurements.
- Center wavelength 470 nm.
- Bandwidth approximately 8 nm.
- Designed for use with F3 and F5 multimode microplate readers.
- Suitable for filter-based absorbance assays in microplates.
Molecular Devices Absorbance Filter, 510 nm, 8 nm Bandwidth
The Molecular Devices absorbance photometric filter is a narrowband 510 nm filter supplied as a slide element for installation into compatible microplate readers, enabling precise absorbance measurements and improved assay specificity.
- Designed for absorbance measurements at 510 nm.
- 8 nm bandwidth for narrowband detection and reduced spectral overlap.
- Slide-mounted format for easy installation into filter assemblies.
- High-quality optical coatings to improve signal-to-noise ratio.
- Suitable for a range of optical assays requiring 510 nm measurements.
Molecular Devices Photometric Filter, 570 nm, Absorbance, Replacement
AD 340 photometric filter for 570 nm absorbance measurements. This replacement optical filter isolates the 570 nm band for photometric assays, improving wavelength specificity and measurement reliability in absorbance-based detection systems.
- Center wavelength 570 nm for absorbance measurements.
- Designed for photometric wavelength selection in plate readers.
- Helps improve assay specificity and reduce spectral interference.
- Compact optical filter form factor for easy installation and replacement.
- Suitable for routine maintenance and filter replacement in absorbance detection workflows.
Molecular Devices Absorbance Filter, 280 nm, 12 nm Bandwidth, Slide
Molecular Devices absorbance filter designed for narrow-band UV absorbance measurements centered at 280 nm. The filter is supplied as a slide-mounted optical element for installation in compatible microplate reader filter slots and improves accuracy for deep-UV absorbance assays.
- Center wavelength 280 nm.
- Bandwidth 12 nm.
- Narrow-bandpass optical filter for UV absorbance measurements.
- Slide-mounted form factor for slot installation.
- Optimized for protein and nucleic acid absorbance assays.
Molecular Devices Desktop PC Bundle, Tower, Configured for Instrument Control
Molecular Devices PC Desktop Bundle Tower provides a tower-form desktop computer bundle intended to support instrument control and data acquisition workflows in laboratory environments.
- Tower desktop form factor for space-efficient placement and serviceability.
- Preconfigured for instrument control and data acquisition integration.
- Includes hardware and service components for system installation and support.
- Listed as a service/parts desktop bundle by distributors; configuration may vary.
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 Fluorescence Excitation Filter, 525 nm, 45 nm Bandwidth
The Molecular Devices 525 nm fluorescence excitation filter (6590-0052) is a 45 nm bandpass excitation filter designed for fluorescence assays requiring green-range illumination. It is intended for use with multi-mode microplate readers that accept filter slide carriers and provides selective excitation centered at 525 nm.
- Filter type: fluorescence excitation filter.
- Center wavelength: 525 nm.
- Bandwidth: 45 nm.
- Mounting format: filter slide compatible with multi-filter slide carriers.
- Application: optimized for green-range fluorescence assays.
Molecular Devices Hi-Speed USB Serial Adapter, USB to DB8
This hi-speed USB-to-serial adapter enables connection of Molecular Devices microplate readers to a computer when a serial port interface is required. The adapter converts a USB connection to the instrument serial interface and is documented by the manufacturer as the recommended USB serial accessory.
- Provides hi-speed USB-to-serial conversion.
- Converts USB to DB8 serial interface for instrument communication.
- Intended for connecting microplate readers to a PC serial port.
- External cable/adapter form factor for easy installation.
- Compatible with standard serial communication software and drivers.
Molecular Devices Emission Filter, 595 nm, 35 nm Bandwidth
This emission filter provides selective fluorescence emission detection with a 595 nm center wavelength and a 35 nm bandwidth, designed for use as a plug-in filter element in microplate reader filter wheels and cartridges. Compatible with FilterMax series multi-mode microplate readers.
- Center wavelength 595 nm.
- Bandwidth (FWHM) 35 nm.
- Filter type: fluorescence emission.
- Typical application: fluorescence emission detection in microplate assays.
- Form factor: plug-in filter element for filter wheels or cartridges.