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 Fluorescence Polarization Filter, 700 nm, Excitation
Molecular Devices 700 nm fluorescence polarization filter designed for fluorescence polarization (FP) microplate assays and near-infrared fluorescence detection. It provides excitation and detection at 700 nm for compatible multi-mode microplate readers.
- Provides excitation and detection centered at 700 nm for fluorescence polarization assays.
- Optimized for fluorescence polarization measurements in microplate formats.
- Enables near-infrared fluorescence detection to reduce background and improve signal-to-noise.
- Designed for easy installation in compatible filter holders and cartridges.
- Suitable for use with multi-mode microplate readers that support user-installable filters.
Molecular Devices Nikon Plan Apochromat Lambda D Objective, 2x, 0.10 NA, Air
The CFI Plan Apochromat Lambda D 2x objective is a high-performance, infinity-corrected microscope objective designed for wide-field life-science imaging. It delivers a flat, low-aberration image across a large 25 mm field for brightfield and fluorescence workflows.
- Magnification: 2x.
- Numerical aperture: 0.10.
- Working distance: 8.5 mm.
- Immersion type: air.
- Objective type: plan apochromat.
- Cover glass thickness: 0-0.17 mm.
- Applications: brightfield, DIC, fluorescence, confocal, TIRF.
Molecular Devices Microplate Reader, Multi-Mode, Dual Monochromators, 6-384-Well
The SpectraMax M5e is a modular multi-mode microplate reader designed for a wide range of life science assays. It provides flexible wavelength selection and sensitive detection across multiple modes while supporting automation for increased throughput.
- Performs absorbance, fluorescence intensity, luminescence, time-resolved fluorescence, and fluorescence polarization measurements.
- Dual scanning monochromators with 1 nm spectral scanning for flexible excitation and emission selection.
- Spectral ranges: absorbance 200-1000 nm; fluorescence/luminescence/TRF 250-850 nm; fluorescence polarization 300-750 nm.
- Supports 6-384 well microplates and cuvette-based measurements.
- Compatible with automated plate handling, including a StakMax stacker with up to 50-plate capacity and optional barcode reader.
- Includes PathCheck sensor for absorbance normalization and AutoPMT optimization for extended dynamic range.
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 Filter Lens, 492 nm Bandpass, Microplate Reader Compatible
The Molecular Devices 492 nm filter lens (MPN 6500-0048) is a replacement optical element that isolates the 492 nm detection band for multimode microplate readers. It is intended for assays requiring targeted excitation or detection at this wavelength and for use as a service spare for compatible readers.
- Provides narrowband filtration centered at 492 nm for targeted detection.
- Supports absorbance and fluorescence assay modalities.
- Serves as a replacement optical element for compatible multimode microplate readers.
- Facilitates reliable wavelength selection for plate-based measurements.
- Intended for use as an OEM spare component in instrument service and maintenance.
Molecular Devices Fluorescence Filter, 535 nm, 25 nm, With Holder
Molecular Devices fluorescence emission filter with integrated holder provides a narrow 535 nm center wavelength and 25 nm bandwidth for selective detection of fluorophores emitting near 535 nm. It is intended for filter-based microplate readers and supports fluorescence and TR-FRET assay detection, including TAMRA-based assays.
- Center wavelength 535 nm.
- Bandwidth 25 nm.
- Includes integrated holder for installation in filter slot.
- Suitable for fluorescence and TR-FRET detection workflows.
- Designed for use in filter-slot multi-mode microplate readers.
Revvity Health Sciences Inc HTRF Human Androgen Receptor Detection Kit, Control Lysate
HTRF Human Androgen Receptor Detection Kit, Control Lysate
Alkali Scientific SmartReader™ 96 Microplate Absorbance Reader, for 96 Well Plates, 115V QTY 1
The Accuris SmartReader 96 is a welcome addition to any lab that is routinely measuring concentration or absorbance in 96 well plates. The instrument’s 7 inch touch screen, intuitive software and graphical interface makes it easy to use as a standalone instrument (a separate computer and additional software is not required).
Revvity Health Sciences Inc HTRF Human & Mouse Total CHK-1 Detection Kit, 500 Assay Points
HTRF Human & Mouse Total CHK-1 Detection Kit, 500 Assay Points
Revvity Health Sciences Inc HTRF Human CCL22 Detection Kit Standard, 3 Vials
HTRF Human CCL22 Detection Kit Standard, 3 Vials
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 Fluorescence Polarization Filter Set, 485 nm, Polarized
Molecular Devices set of two fluorescence polarization filters designed for fluorescence polarization assays. The matched vertical and horizontal polarized filters have a 485 nm center wavelength and are intended for compatible multi-mode microplate readers. Manufacturer documents report filter bandwidth as either 20 nm or 25 nm.
- Set of two polarized filters supplied as a matched vertical and horizontal pair.
- Center wavelength 485 nm for excitation in fluorescence polarization assays.
- Bandpass bandwidth reported as 20-25 nm across manufacturer documents.
- Designed for use with compatible multi-mode microplate readers to enable FP measurements.
- Supplied as accessory filters for configuring microplate readers for FP assays.
Molecular Devices RS-232C Cable, DB-25 Male to DB-9 Female, Straight-Through
This dedicated RS-232C serial cable connects MAXline series microplate readers (EMax, VMax, UVMax, ThermoMax) to a computer RS-232 port. It uses a DB-25 male connector at the instrument end and a DB-9 female connector at the computer end and follows the manufacturer's straight-through RS-232C pin routing for reliable bidirectional communication.
- Connector type: DB-25 male (instrument) to DB-9 female (computer).
- Interface: RS-232C, straight-through wiring.
- Shielding: double-shielded cable recommended for noise reduction.
- Compatibility: MAXline family microplate readers with DB-25 RS-232 instrument port.
- Pin wiring: manufacturer-specified 25-to-9 pin routing for bidirectional communication.
- Cable length: not specified in available documentation.