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.
Agilent BioTek CO2 Flow Meter and Tubing
For CO2 and O2 gas controllers.
Agilent BioTek 20x Olympus Plan Extended Apochromat Objective
For Cytation C10 confocal imaging reader and Lionheart FX/LX automated microscopes
Agilent BioTek BioStack Integration Kit for Synergy HT
For use with Synergy HT microplate readers.
Agilent BioTek BioStack Integration Kit for MultiFlo FX Dispenser
Secures alignment for trouble-free performance. For use with MultiFlo FX multi-mode reagent dispense and BioStack microplate stacker.
Arlington Scientific Evolution Sample Rack
Each rack holds 192 samples. Additional racks are available for preloading samples for labs that run higher test volumes.
Arlington Scientific Evolution Waste System
Provides a clear acrylic tray that snuggly holds a 5L corrosion-resistant high-density polyethylene waste bottle. A drain tube holder prevents the drain tube from accidentally coming out of the waste bottle.
Promega GloMax Discover 96 Half-Position Aperture Assembly, 1 each
These accessories are intended for use with the GloMax Discover and Explorer Systems.
Molecular Devices Multi-Mode Microplate Reader, Bottom-Read Luminescence, Injector-Ready
The SpectraMax iD5 is a compact, five-mode multi-mode microplate reader configurable for bottom-read luminescence and capable of accepting an optional two-injector system for flash assays. It supports 6 to 384-well plates and is suited for dual-luciferase, ATP, and common absorbance and fluorescence workflows.
- Five built-in read modes: absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, TRF, and FP.
- Expandable bottom-read luminescence option for sensitive assays.
- Optional two-injector SmartInject system with low dead volume and reverse prime.
- Supports 6 to 384-well plate formats.
- Injector performance: dispense accuracy ±5% and precision CV ≤2% at 100 μL.
Thermo Scientific™ Filters and Accessories for Thermo Scientific Fluoroskan™, Fluoroskan™ FL and Luminoskan™ Microplate Readers
Fluoroskan™, Fluoroskan™FL, and Luminoskan™ microplate fluorometers and luminometers can be equipped with a wide range of accessories, additional excitation filters, and emission filters to expand the instrument's functionality and application flexibility.
Molecular Devices Microplate Reader, Multi-Mode, Dual Monochromators, 6-384 Well
The SpectraMax M5 multi-mode microplate reader delivers flexible, sensitive measurement capabilities for a wide range of plate-based biochemical and cell-based assays. It combines scanning monochromators, automated detector optimization, and an integrated cuvette port to support absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, and time-resolved assays across 6-384 well plates.
- Multi-mode detection for absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, TRF, and FP.
- Dual scanning monochromators with 1 nm wavelength resolution.
- AutoPMT optimization for extended dynamic range and per-well sensitivity.
- Integrated cuvette port for single-cuvette measurements.
- Temperature control from ambient +2°C to ~60°C with linear shaking.
- Supports 6-384 well plates and automation integration.
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 Fluorescence Polarization Filters, 360 nm, 35 nm BW
This set includes two fluorescence polarization filters with a holder designed for fluorescence polarization assays in compatible microplate readers. The pair provides polarized excitation at 360 nm with a 35 nm bandwidth and is supplied as vertical and horizontal polarizers to enable polarization measurements.
- Set includes two filters and a single holder.
- Center wavelength 360 nm, with 35 nm bandwidth.
- Polarized vertical and horizontal arrangement for polarization assays.
- Designed for use in compatible microplate readers with filter slide capability.
- Supplied as a matched pair to support accurate fluorescence polarization measurements.
Molecular Devices Absorbance Microplate Reader, 384-well, 190-1000 nm, Temperature Controlled
The SpectraMax Plus 384 absorbance microplate reader from Molecular Devices provides UV-visible absorbance measurements for 96- and 384-well plates, as well as standard cuvettes and test tubes. It combines full spectral scanning, multiple read modes, and plate temperature control to support routine assays and higher-throughput workflows.
- Full spectral scanning from 190 to 1000 nm for UV-visible measurements.
- Supports 96-well, 384-well, and strip-well plates, plus standard cuvettes and 12 x 75 mm test tubes.
- Endpoint, kinetic, and spectrum read modes for diverse assay formats.
- Pathlength correction normalizes absorbance to a 1 cm path length.
- Plate chamber temperature control from 4°C above ambient to 45°C with < 1.0°C variation.
- Dedicated cuvette chamber with percent transmission or absorbance display and reference correction.
- Designed for both routine 96-well workflows and high-throughput 384-well assays.
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.