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 Photometric Filter, Absorbance 590 nm, FilterMax Compatible
The AD 340 photometric filter provides a 590 nm center wavelength bandpass for absorbance (photometric) measurements in multimode microplate readers. Supplied as an accessory by Molecular Devices (MPN 6590-0023), the filter installs in a reader's filter holder to enable targeted optical selection for absorbance assays and routine photometric measurements.
- Central wavelength 590 nm for absorbance measurements.
- Designed for photometric microplate assays.
- Installs in a standard filter holder for quick replacement.
- Provides consistent optical selection for repeatable readings.
Molecular Devices SpectraDrop Micro-Volume Microplate Kit, High-Throughput, 2/4 μL
The SpectraDrop MV HTS Kit is a high-throughput micro-volume microplate kit for low-volume quantitation of DNA, RNA, and protein using 2 μL and 4 μL sample volumes. The kit provides an adapter, multiple low-volume slides in 24- and 64-well formats, top cover slides with defined path lengths, and a protective carrying case for storage and transport.
- High-throughput micro-volume solution for low-volume measurements (2 μL and 4 μL)
- Includes adapter, five 24-well bottom slides, five 64-well bottom slides, and multiple top cover slides
- Teflon-coated bottom slides for precise droplet placement and easy cleaning
- Top slides with side spacers to control pathlength and reduce evaporation
- Compatible with absorbance and fluorescence detection for DNA, RNA, and protein quantitation
- Supplied in a protective carrying case for storage and transport
Molecular Devices Filter Kit, Standard, 7 Filters, 2 Slides
Replacement standard filter kit for the Molecular Devices SpectraMax iD5 multi-mode microplate reader. The kit provides a set of optical filters and slides used to configure the reader for common filter-based detection modes.
- Contains seven filters and two filter slides.
- Provides configurable filters for common fluorescence and filter-based detection modes.
- Supplied as a standard kit for instrument configuration and replacement of worn filters.
- Includes components intended for installation as instrument accessory slides and filter holders.
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 Fluorescence Polarization Filters, 535 nm, Polarized
Molecular Devices fluorescence polarization filter set designed for fluorescence polarization (FP) assays on compatible SpectraMax and FlexStation multi-mode microplate readers. The set contains polarized filters in vertical and horizontal orientations centered at 535 nm with a 25 nm bandwidth to support accurate FP measurements.
- Enables fluorescence polarization measurements.
- Includes vertical and horizontal polarized filters.
- Center wavelength 535 nm, bandwidth 25 nm.
- Includes two filters for polarization detection.
- Designed for compatible multi-mode microplate readers.
Molecular Devices Validation Plate, Absorbance, NIST-Traceable, ISO 17025 Recertifiable
The SpectraTest ABS2 Validation Plate from Molecular Devices is an automated absorbance validation tool used to verify the optical performance and sensitivity of absorbance-capable microplate readers. It provides NIST-traceable photometric checks and supports recertification to maintain GMP and GLP compliance; requires SoftMax Pro software version 6.5.1 or higher.
- Validates absorbance sensitivity and photometric accuracy.
- Automated certificate value entry for streamlined validation workflows.
- Compatible with absorbance-capable microplate readers and automated handling systems.
- Supports annual recertification with ISO 17025 traceability.
- Designed for GMP and GLP instrument performance verification.
- Factory recertification and repair services reduce downtime.
Molecular Devices Luminescence Filter, 410 nm, BW 80 nm
This Molecular Devices luminescence emission filter (with holder) provides a 410 nm center wavelength with an 80 nm bandwidth for luminescence detection in microplate assays. It is listed as an accessory for SpectraMax iD series multi-mode microplate readers and is commonly used as a donor emission filter in assays such as BRET2.
- Provides a 410 nm center wavelength with an 80 nm bandwidth
- Includes holder for secure installation in filter slot
- Optimized for luminescence emission detection
- Used as donor emission filter in luminescence assays
- Compatible with multi-mode microplate reader filter systems
Molecular Devices Absorbance Filter, 260 nm, 12 nm Bandwidth
The Molecular Devices FilterMax absorbance filter provides selective UV detection at 260 nm with a 12 nm bandwidth for accurate absorbance measurements on compatible multi-mode microplate readers. It is a replacement optical filter intended for absorbance assays such as nucleic acid quantification and related UV measurements.
- Center wavelength 260 nm for UV absorbance measurements.
- 12 nm bandwidth (full width at half maximum) for narrow spectral selection.
- Designed for use in multi-mode microplate readers with removable filter slides.
- Sold individually as a single replacement filter.
- Supports accurate nucleic acid and protein absorbance assays.
Molecular Devices Absorbance Filter, 480 nm, 8 nm, FilterMax
This replacement absorbance photometric filter is designed for use in Molecular Devices microplate readers and provides narrowband absorbance detection centered at 480 nm for photometric assays that require precise wavelength selection.
- Provides narrowband absorbance detection centered at 480 nm.
- 8 nm full width at half maximum bandwidth for selective measurements.
- Intended for absorbance and photometric microplate assays.
- Compatible with microplate reader filter holders used in multi-mode readers.
- Useful for assays requiring blue-green wavelength detection.
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 FlexStation 3 Microplate Reader, 16-Channel Pipettor, Dual Monochromator
The FlexStation 3 is a monochromator-based multi-mode microplate reader with integrated fluidics and an optional pipettor head for automated reagent addition and kinetic assays.
- Measures absorbance, fluorescence intensity, fluorescence polarization, luminescence, and time-resolved fluorescence.
- Integrated 16-channel pipettor for automated reagent addition and plate-to-plate transfers.
- Compatible with 96-well and 384-well microplate formats.
- Dual monochromators allow flexible excitation and emission wavelength selection without filter changes.
- Programmable onboard fluidics support timed reagent addition and real-time kinetic measurements.
- Designed for robot integration and supports validation workflows such as IQ/OQ.
Molecular Devices Enhanced TRF Module, Time-Resolved Fluorescence, SpectraMax iD5 Compatible
The Enhanced TRF Module expands time-resolved fluorescence performance of SpectraMax iD5 and iD5e microplate readers, enabling TRF, TR-FRET, HTRF, IMAP, and ScanLater western blot reads with improved sensitivity for lanthanide assays.
- Improved sensitivity for Europium detection down to 10 fM.
- Enables TRF, TR-FRET, and HTRF assay read modes.
- Supports ScanLater western blot TRF reads.
- Operates with configurable flash intervals for time-resolved reads.
- Compatible with exchangeable excitation and emission filter slides sold separately.
- Requires compatible data acquisition software for some TR-FRET read modes.
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 Microplate Reader, Multimode, 200-1000 nm, 6-384 Wells
The SpectraMax M2 is a dual-monochromator multimode microplate reader for absorbance, fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, and luminescence assays across 6-384 well plates and cuvette formats.
- Multimode detection for absorbance, fluorescence intensity, time-resolved fluorescence, and luminescence.
- Wavelength range: absorbance 200-1000 nm, fluorescence excitation 250-850 nm, fluorescence emission 360-850 nm.
- Supports 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 384 well plate formats.
- Dual-mode cuvette port for cuvette-based assays and dual monochromators for tunable wavelength selection.
- Power: 100-240 Vac, 3 A, 50/60 Hz; power consumption under 125 W.
- Includes PathCheck optical pathlength normalization, kinetic and endpoint read modes, and robot compatibility.
Molecular Devices Microplate Reader, 6-1536-Well, Dual PMT, User-Upgradeable
The SpectraMax Paradigm multi-mode microplate reader from Molecular Devices is a user-upgradeable detection platform for absorbance, fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, fluorescence polarization, and luminescence assays. It supports 6- to 1536-well plates and modular detection cartridges for configurable optics.
- User-upgradeable detection cartridges for configurable optics and modes.
- Supports 6- to 1536-well plate formats.
- Dual photomultiplier tubes for enhanced sensitivity and throughput.
- Wide absorbance range 230-1000 nm and fluorescence excitation/emission coverage.
- Integrated temperature control, plate shaking, and robotic compatibility.
- High dynamic range greater than six decades for quantitative assays.
- Compact footprint: 39 cm W x 45 cm H x 63 cm D.