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, 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 Emission Filter, 550 nm, 10 nm
Emission filter centered at 550 nm with a 10 nm full width at half maximum (FWHM), intended for selective fluorescence detection in multi-mode microplate readers that accept standard filter slides or mounts.
- Center wavelength 550 nm.
- Bandwidth 10 nm (FWHM).
- Emission bandpass design for fluorescence detection.
- Reduces spectral crosstalk and improves signal specificity.
- Suitable for use in multi-mode microplate readers and compatible filter slide systems.
Molecular Devices SpectraDrop Cover Slides, 4 μL, 1.0 mm Path
Molecular Devices SpectraDrop Micro-Volume cover slide refills provide replacement cover slides for low-volume absorbance and fluorescence measurements. Each pack contains three 4 μL cover slides with a 1.0 mm path length, designed to restore and extend micro-volume workflows while minimizing sample consumption.
- Pack contains three 4 μL cover slides.
- Path length 1.0 mm.
- Enables measurements with sample volumes as low as 2 μL.
- Designed for micro-volume absorbance and fluorescence measurements.
- Helps reduce sample consumption and increase throughput.
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 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, 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 Validation Plate, Luminescence, Microplate, Recertifiable
The SpectraTest LM1 Luminescence Validation Plate from Molecular Devices provides a standardized reference for verifying luminescence performance of microplate readers. It enables routine performance checks and supports annual recertification to maintain calibration.
- Enables background noise and spike testing.
- Measures crosstalk between adjacent wells.
- Detects left-to-right positional bias across the plate.
- Supports annual recertification and calibration by an accredited laboratory.
- Intended for verification of luminescence detection performance in microplate readers.
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 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.
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 Time-Resolved Emission Filter, 520 nm, 15 nm Bandwidth
Time-resolved emission filter centered at 520 nm with a 15 nm bandwidth, supplied with a holder for installation in compatible microplate readers. Designed to support time-resolved fluorescence detection workflows including TR-FRET and IMAP assays, the filter provides narrow spectral selection and supports temporal gating to improve signal specificity.
- Center wavelength 520 nm
- Spectral bandwidth 15 nm
- Filter type time-resolved emission
- Includes holder for microplate reader installation
- Optimized for time-resolved fluorescence and TR-FRET/IMAP assays
- Improves signal-to-noise in temporal gating measurements
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, 490 nm, Fluorescence, Microplate Reader
The Molecular Devices 490 nm filter lens is an optical filter designed for fluorescence measurements in microplate readers. It transmits light centered at 490 nm to isolate the desired fluorescence band for excitation or emission measurements.
- Center wavelength 490 nm.
- Optical filter lens for fluorescence excitation or emission measurements.
- Designed for use with compatible multi-mode microplate readers.
- Helps reduce background by blocking out-of-band wavelengths.
- Intended as a replacement or spare filter for routine maintenance and assay optimization.
Molecular Devices Absorbance Filter, 350 nm, 10 nm Bandwidth
Molecular Devices 350 nm absorbance filter with 10 nm bandwidth provides narrowband absorbance detection for microplate assays. It is sold as a replaceable filter accessory for compatible absorbance microplate readers and is intended to improve selectivity for wavelength-specific absorbance measurements.
- Center wavelength: 350 nm
- Bandwidth (full width at half maximum): 10 nm
- Filter type: Absorbance
- Intended application: Narrowband absorbance measurements in microplate assays
- Compatibility: Designed for use in compatible absorbance microplate reader filter assemblies
