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 Filter Lens, 550 nm, EMax and VMax Compatible
Replacement optical filter lens with a center wavelength of 550 nm for use in microplate readers. Designed as a field-replaceable spare to restore or modify detection for assays that require a 550 nm bandpass. Supplied as a single unit for straightforward replacement.
- Center wavelength 550 nm.
- Compatible with EMax and VMax microplate readers.
- Single replacement filter, sold each.
- Suitable for absorbance and fluorescence measurements requiring a 550 nm bandpass.
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 Emission Filter, 650 nm, 40 nm Bandwidth, Fluorescence
Molecular Devices fluorescence emission bandpass filter with a center wavelength of 650 nm and a 40 nm full bandwidth, designed for spectral selection of red and far-red fluorophores in multi-mode plate readers and imaging systems.
- Provides 650 nm center wavelength with 40 nm full bandwidth.
- Optimized for fluorescence, luminescence, and TRF assays.
- Replaceable emission filter for compatible multi-mode microplate readers.
- Reduces background signal for selective detection of red/far-red fluorophores.
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 Excitation Filter, 430 nm, Optical, Replacement
The Molecular Devices 430 nm Fluorescence Excitation Filter (MPN 6590-0045) is an optical excitation filter supplied as a replacement component for fluorescence detection systems. It provides selective transmission of excitation light at 430 nm to support fluorescence assays and instrument measurements.
- Provides selective excitation at 430 nm.
- Optimized for fluorescence-based assays and detection.
- Sold as a replacement optical component for compatible instruments.
- Helps improve signal specificity by restricting excitation bandwidth.
Molecular Devices Luminescence Filter, Long-pass 610 nm, Emission
The Molecular Devices 610 nm LP luminescence filter (cat. #6590-0117) is a long-pass emission filter optimized for luminescence detection and BRET acceptor measurements. It is intended for use as an acceptor/emission filter in NanoBRET assays and is documented for compatibility with filter-based multi-mode microplate readers such as the SpectraMax iD5.
- Provides a long-pass emission cutoff at 610 nm.
- Optimized for luminescence and BRET acceptor detection.
- Designed for use in filter-based microplate reader optical systems.
- Supports assays requiring acceptor emission separation in NanoBRET workflows.
Molecular Devices Multi-Mode Microplate Reader, Dual Monochromator, 200-1000 nm
The SpectraMax M2 system is a dual-mode multi-detection microplate reader bundled with SoftMax Pro software for data acquisition and analysis. It provides flexible absorbance and fluorescence measurements with tunable monochromators for assay development.
- Multi-mode detection: absorbance and fluorescence measurements.
- Dual monochromators with 1 nm wavelength resolution.
- Wavelength range: absorbance 200-1000 nm; fluorescence excitation 250-850 nm; emission 360-850 nm.
- Supports 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 384 well plates.
- Dual-mode cuvette port for cuvette measurements.
- Top-reading capability for fluorescence assays.
- Compact footprint: 8.6 x 22.8 x 15 in; weight 35 lb.
- Compatible with software for acquisition, analysis, and reporting.
Revvity Health Sciences Inc HTRF PPI Low Ionic Strength Europium Detection buffer, 220 mL
HTRF PPI Low Ionic Strength Europium Detection buffer, 220 mL
Revvity Health Sciences Inc AlphaLISA Human WT STING Binding Kit Standard
AlphaLISA Human WT STING Binding Kit Standard
Molecular Devices Absorbance Filter, 490 nm, 8 nm Bandwidth
Absorbance photometric filter for use with FilterMax family microplate readers. The filter provides a centered transmission at 490 nm with a narrow 8 nm bandwidth to support absorbance-based assays requiring selective 490 nm detection.
- Optimized for absorbance measurements at 490 nm.
- Narrow 8 nm bandwidth for selective detection.
- Designed for installation in compatible microplate reader filter holders.
- Suitable for microplate-based colorimetric and enzyme assays.
Molecular Devices Multi-Mode Microplate Reader, Absorbance, Fluorescence, Luminescence
The SpectraMax Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader is a compact, user-upgradeable instrument providing absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence detection with integrated SoftMax Pro data analysis. It supports 6-384 well plates and temperature control for routine and kinetic assays.
- Compact, user-upgradeable design with two- or three-mode configurations.
- Supports 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 384-well plates.
- Detects absorbance (200-1000 nm), fluorescence (250-850 nm), and luminescence.
- Offers endpoint, kinetic, spectral, and well scanning read modes.
- Temperature control from ambient +4°C to 45°C with ±1°C uniformity at 37°C.
- Includes advanced data analysis software and auto-adjusting PMT for wide dynamic range.
Molecular Devices Luminescence Filter, 675 nm, SP, With Holder
Luminescence filter assembly for microplate reader luminescence detection. The filter provides a 675 nm clean-up/turnover characteristic (SP designation) and is supplied with a mounting holder for installation in compatible reader filter slots. It is intended for luminescence assays on microplate and ELISA readers.
- Provides a 675 nm clean-up filter characteristic.
- Supplied with a mounting holder for easy installation.
- Designed for luminescence detection in microplate assays.
- Fits into compatible reader filter slots or cartridges.
- Helps reduce background and improve signal selectivity.
Molecular Devices Fluorescence Filter, 485 nm, 20 nm Bandwidth
Replacement fluorescence emission filter with holder specified for a 485 nm center wavelength and 20 nm bandwidth. It is intended for use in compatible multi-mode microplate readers to support fluorescence, luminescence, time-resolved fluorescence (TRF), and BRET1 donor emission assays.
- Center wavelength 485 nm.
- Bandwidth 20 nm.
- Designed for fluorescence, luminescence, time-resolved fluorescence, and BRET1 donor emission assays.
- Includes holder for installation in interchangeable filter slots.
- Intended for use with multi-mode microplate readers that accept interchangeable filters.
Molecular Devices Pipettor Head, 16-Channel, 384-Well, FlexStation 3 Compatible
The 16-channel pipettor head is an accessory for the FlexStation 3 multi-mode microplate reader that provides automated, simultaneous aspiration and dispense across 16 channels for high-throughput 384-well assays. It enables rapid plate-to-plate reagent transfer and precise reagent addition for fast kinetic and end-point assays.
- Provides 16-channel automated liquid handling for rapid reagent transfers.
- Designed for use with 384-well compound and assay plates.
- Uses disposable 384-well, 30 μL pipette tips to minimize cross-contamination.
- Enables timed reagent addition for kinetic assays with millisecond precision.
- Removable for cleaning and service by trained personnel.
Molecular Devices Multi-Mode Microplate Reader, Five-Mode, HTRF Compatible, 6-384 Wells
The SpectraMax iD5 is a compact, five-mode multi-mode microplate reader designed for flexible bench-top detection of absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, time-resolved fluorescence, and fluorescence polarization assays. The reader supports optional modules for HTRF and TR-FRET, bottom-read luminescence, and injector-based flash assays, and accepts 6-384 well plates.
- Five built-in detection modes for absorbance, fluorescence intensity, luminescence, time-resolved fluorescence, and fluorescence polarization.
- Expandable detection for HTRF, TR-FRET, BRET, and bottom-read luminescence with optional modules.
- Supports 6-384 well plate formats for endpoint and kinetic assays.
- Xenon flash light source with PMT and photodiode detectors for broad wavelength coverage.
- Temperature control to support assays up to 66°C and multiple shaking modes for assay mixing.
- Robotic compatibility for high-throughput automation workflows.