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 Absorbance Filter, 575 nm, 8 nm Bandwidth
This absorbance filter provides narrowband detection at a 575 nm center wavelength with an 8 nm full-width bandwidth for visible-range absorbance assays. It is designed for use in FilterMax F3 and F5 multi-mode microplate readers.
- Provides narrowband absorbance detection at 575 nm.
- 8 nm full-width bandwidth for selective wavelength measurement.
- Designed for use with FilterMax F3 and F5 multi-mode microplate readers.
- Suitable for visible-range absorbance assays and endpoint measurements.
Molecular Devices Fluorescence Polarization Filter, 465 nm, 35 nm, Polarized
Fluorescence polarization filter set designed for microplate fluorescence assays. Centered at 465 nm with a 35 nm bandwidth, the set provides vertically and horizontally polarized filters and includes a holder for installation in compatible microplate readers.
- Designed for fluorescence polarization measurements on microplate readers.
- Center wavelength 465 nm with a 35 nm bandwidth.
- Includes vertically and horizontally polarized filters for polarization assays.
- Supplied as a set of two filters with a single holder for installation.
- Enables selective excitation and improved signal specificity in fluorescence assays.
Molecular Devices Polarization Emission Filter, Fluorescence Polarization, Visible
This polarization emission filter is an accessory for multimode microplate readers, intended for fluorescence polarization (FP) measurements in the visible range. It enables polarization-based fluorescence assays when installed in the reader's emission filter position.
- Enables fluorescence polarization emission measurements.
- Designed for visible wavelength range.
- Intended for multimode microplate readers.
- Supplied as a single unit.
Molecular Devices Fluorescence Filter, 447 nm, 60 nm, With Holder
Fluorescence donor emission filter for SpectraMax iD5 and iD5e multi-mode microplate readers, centered at 447 nm with a 60 nm bandwidth, supplied with a holder for mounting and optical alignment.
- Isolates emission centered at 447 nm with a 60 nm bandwidth.
- Includes holder for secure mounting in the instrument filter module.
- Compatible with fluorescence and NanoBRET assays on multi-mode microplate readers.
- Improves signal separation for donor emission detection and assay sensitivity.
- Designed for easy installation and reliable optical alignment.
Molecular Devices Absorbance Filter, 260 nm, 5.5 nm Bandwidth
The Molecular Devices 260 nm absorbance filter (5.5 nm bandwidth) is an optical bandpass accessory designed for use with compatible FilterMax series multimode microplate readers. It provides a narrow UV transmission centered at 260 nm for precise absorbance measurements of nucleic acids and other UV-absorbing analytes.
- Provides narrow bandpass transmission centered at 260 nm.
- 5.5 nm bandwidth for selective UV absorbance measurements.
- Suitable for nucleic acid quantification and other UV-absorbing samples.
- Designed for easy installation in modular filter holders.
- Improves measurement specificity by reducing out-of-band light.
Molecular Devices Excitation Filter, 540 nm, 25 nm Bandwidth, Bandpass
Molecular Devices FilterMax fluorescence excitation bandpass filter centered at 540 nm with a 25 nm full width, designed for targeted excitation in fluorescence microplate assays. It reduces out-of-band light to improve assay signal-to-noise and installs into compatible filter slide slots for rapid configuration.
- Provides 540 nm excitation with 25 nm bandwidth.
- Bandpass design reduces background and improves signal specificity.
- Optimized for microplate-based fluorescence assays.
- Fits into compatible filter slide slots for quick installation.
Molecular Devices Multi-Mode Microplate Reader, Integrated Pipettor, Dual Monochromators, 6-384 Well
The FlexStation 3 is an integrated benchtop microplate reader that combines multi-mode detection with programmable liquid handling to automate biochemical and cell-based assays and support kinetic measurements.
- Automated 8- or 16-channel pipettor for reagent transfer.
- Measures absorbance, fluorescence intensity, fluorescence polarization, luminescence, and time-resolved fluorescence.
- Supports 6-384 well plate formats.
- Dual monochromators with 1-nm wavelength selection.
- Top and bottom reading capability with PMT and silicon photodiode detectors.
- SoftMax Pro compatible acquisition and analysis software.
- Compact benchtop footprint, approximately 48 x 58 x 41 cm.
Molecular Devices Filter Lens, 590 nm, Interchangeable, Microplate Compatible
This 590 nm filter lens provides narrowband optical transmission centered at 590 nm for use in compatible microplate readers. It installs as an interchangeable accessory to enable detection in the orange/yellow spectral region for absorbance and fluorescence microplate assays.
- Center wavelength 590 nm.
- Narrowband optical transmission for orange/yellow detection.
- Interchangeable lens for microplate reader accessories.
- Suitable for absorbance and fluorescence microplate assays.
- Sold individually.
Molecular Devices Emission Filter, Time Resolved, 490 nm, 10 nm
Time-resolved emission filter designed for time-resolved fluorescence measurements. The optical filter centers at 490 nm with a 10 nm full width bandwidth and is supplied with a holder for insertion into compatible multi-mode microplate readers. Typical applications include donor emission detection in TR-FRET and other time-resolved assays.
- 490 nm center wavelength, 10 nm bandwidth.
- Includes holder for filter-slide insertion.
- Designed for time-resolved fluorescence applications.
- Optimized for donor emission detection in TR-FRET assays.
- Fits standard filter slots on compatible microplate readers.
Molecular Devices Fluorescence Polarization Filter, 635 nm, 35 nm, Vertical
Molecular Devices fluorescence polarization filter with holder designed for fluorescence polarization assays and FP-compatible detection on compatible multi-mode microplate readers. The filter is specified for a 635 nm center wavelength with a 35 nm bandwidth and is polarized to enable fluorescence polarization measurements.
- Designed for fluorescence polarization assays and FP detection modes.
- Center wavelength 635 nm with 35 nm bandwidth.
- Polarized to enable measurement of fluorescence anisotropy.
- Includes holder for installation into compatible filter assemblies.
- Intended as an accessory for multi-mode microplate readers that accept replaceable filters.
Molecular Devices Excitation Filter, 360 nm, 35 nm Bandwidth
The Molecular Devices 360 nm fluorescence excitation filter is an accessory for FilterMax series multi-mode microplate readers, providing a narrow excitation band centered at 360 nm for assays that require near-UV excitation.
- Provides 360 nm excitation with approximately 35 nm bandwidth.
- Designed for fluorescence assays on microplate readers and ELISA readers.
- Fits FilterMax series reader filter holders for standard microplate formats.
- Improves signal-to-noise for near-UV-excited fluorophores.
- Simple to install and replace during routine maintenance.
Molecular Devices Multi-Mode Microplate Reader, Absorbance/Fluorescence/Luminescence, 6-1536 Well, Temperature Controlled
The SpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode Microplate Reader is a configurable, application-upgradeable microplate reader that performs absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence assays across a broad range of plate formats. It provides broad wavelength coverage, high sensitivity, and modular detection options for diverse biochemical and cell-based workflows.
- Measures absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, time-resolved fluorescence, and fluorescence polarization.
- Wavelength coverage suitable for UV-vis and fluorescence assays.
- Xenon flash lamp and LED illumination options for flexible excitation.
- Supports 6-1536 well plates, including standard 96 and 384 formats.
- Top and bottom read capabilities with bottom read available for fluorescence assays.
- Temperature control from ambient +4 °C up to 45 °C, with optional shaker and injector configurations.
- Includes dedicated assay control and analysis software.
Molecular Devices Automated Cell Imaging System, Digital Confocal 2D, 6-384-Well
The ImageXpress Pico Advanced is a compact benchtop automated cell imaging system that provides fluorescence and brightfield imaging with on-the-fly digital confocal deconvolution and integrated analysis for 6-384 well assays and live-cell experiments.
- Automated fluorescence and brightfield imaging with digital confocal 2D deconvolution.
- 6-position automated turret with user-exchangeable high-NA air objectives.
- Supports 6-384-well microplates, slides, and 35 mm dishes.
- Autofocus, live preview, z-stack acquisition, and robotic plate handler compatibility.
- Includes icon-driven acquisition and analysis software with preconfigured assay templates.
- Optional environmental control for temperature, CO2, O2, and humidity for live-cell work.
Molecular Devices Membrane Holder, Western blot, For Microplate Reader
The ScanLater membrane holder secures western blot membranes for scanning within the ScanLater western blot detection workflow on compatible multi-mode microplate readers. It positions membranes for reproducible scanning and integrates with membrane detection modules to enable time-resolved fluorescence measurements.
- Holds standard western blot membranes securely for scanning.
- Positions membranes reproducibly to improve scan consistency.
- Integrates into a microplate reader workflow for membrane detection.
- Enables time-resolved fluorescence membrane measurements when used with compatible detection hardware.
- Simple insertion and removal for efficient sample handling.
Molecular Devices Emission Slide, Empty, Slide 21, FilterMax Compatible
The empty emission slide is an unpopulated emission filter slide designed to accept user-selected emission filters for custom fluorescence configurations on compatible microplate readers. It installs into the reader's filter slider assembly to provide flexible emission filter selection for fluorescence assays while excluding fluorescence polarization methods.
- Empty emission filter slide for custom filter installation.
- Accepts emission filter elements for fluorescence detection.
- Configurable for fluorescence methods except fluorescence polarization.
- Supplied as a single slide for in-lab or service installation.
- Installs into the reader filter slider assembly for filter mounting.