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, 485 nm, 20 nm, Vertical
The Molecular Devices fluorescence polarization filter (MPN 6590-0094) is a vertical polarization filter engineered for fluorescence polarization assays with a 485 nm center wavelength and a 20 nm optical bandwidth. It is intended as a replacement or accessory filter for compatible multi-mode microplate readers.
- Optimized for fluorescence polarization assays at a 485 nm center wavelength.
- 20 nm bandwidth provides narrow spectral selection and reduced crosstalk.
- Vertical polarization orientation for polarization-based measurements.
- Designed for installation in filter-slide assemblies of compatible microplate readers.
- Replacement filter for restoring or modifying detection channels.
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 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 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 Photometric Filter, 650 nm, Absorbance
The AD 340 Photometric Filter 650 is a replacement photometric filter for FilterMax F3 and F5 multimode microplate readers from Molecular Devices. It provides a defined optical band centered at 650 nm for absorbance measurements and is supplied as a single unit for instrument maintenance and assay flexibility.
- Provides a defined optical band centered at 650 nm for absorbance measurements.
- Designed for reliable photometric performance in routine assays.
- Supplied as a single replacement unit to simplify inventory and maintenance.
- Easy to install into compatible instrument filter holders for quick swaps.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.