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 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 SpectraDrop Micro-Volume Refills, 24-Well, Teflon-Coated, Pack of 3
Molecular Devices SpectraDrop Micro-Volume 24-well refill kit includes three low-volume, Teflon-coated bottom slides to replace worn slides in SpectraDrop micro-volume assemblies. Slides are designed for precise droplet placement and reproducible low-volume absorbance and quantitation using 2 μL or 4 μL configurations.
- Contains three low-volume 24-well bottom slides.
- Teflon-coated bottom slides for precise droplet placement.
- Compatible with micro-volume adapters and cover slides.
- Supports 2 μL and 4 μL low-volume configurations (system-level).
- Intended for micro-volume absorbance and sample quantitation.
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 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 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader, Integrated Pipettor, Dual Monochromators, 6-384 Well
The FlexStation 3 is an integrated benchtop microplate reader that combines multi-mode detection with programmable liquid handling to automate biochemical and cell-based assays and support kinetic measurements.
- Automated 8- or 16-channel pipettor for reagent transfer.
- Measures absorbance, fluorescence intensity, fluorescence polarization, luminescence, and time-resolved fluorescence.
- Supports 6-384 well plate formats.
- Dual monochromators with 1-nm wavelength selection.
- Top and bottom reading capability with PMT and silicon photodiode detectors.
- SoftMax Pro compatible acquisition and analysis software.
- Compact benchtop footprint, approximately 48 x 58 x 41 cm.
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 Polarization Filter, 635 nm, 35 nm, Vertical
Molecular Devices fluorescence polarization filter with holder designed for fluorescence polarization assays and FP-compatible detection on compatible multi-mode microplate readers. The filter is specified for a 635 nm center wavelength with a 35 nm bandwidth and is polarized to enable fluorescence polarization measurements.
- Designed for fluorescence polarization assays and FP detection modes.
- Center wavelength 635 nm with 35 nm bandwidth.
- Polarized to enable measurement of fluorescence anisotropy.
- Includes holder for installation into compatible filter assemblies.
- Intended as an accessory for multi-mode microplate readers that accept replaceable filters.
Molecular Devices Excitation Filter, 360 nm, 35 nm Bandwidth
The Molecular Devices 360 nm fluorescence excitation filter is an accessory for FilterMax series multi-mode microplate readers, providing a narrow excitation band centered at 360 nm for assays that require near-UV excitation.
- Provides 360 nm excitation with approximately 35 nm bandwidth.
- Designed for fluorescence assays on microplate readers and ELISA readers.
- Fits FilterMax series reader filter holders for standard microplate formats.
- Improves signal-to-noise for near-UV-excited fluorophores.
- Simple to install and replace during routine maintenance.
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.