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 Confocal Dual-Disk Box, 60 μm, 50 μm
Optional dual-disk confocal assembly providing two complementary disk geometries for flexible screening workflows. The unit is designed for rapid swapping and reproducible confocal imaging in high-throughput assays.
- Dual disk configuration with 60 μm pinhole and 50 μm slit
- Optimized for basic and high-throughput confocal screening
- Sealed disk box for stable optical performance
- Swappable assembly for quick configuration changes
- Improves assay throughput and reproducibility
Molecular Devices Filter Slide, Empty, Excitation, 6-Filter Capacity
Empty excitation filter slide for FilterMax multi-mode microplate readers. Supplied unpopulated to allow custom installation of excitation filters for fluorescence and many luminescence methods. The slide installs into the instrument filter track and secures filters with small hex screws.
- Supplied empty for custom filter configurations.
- Accepts up to six individual filters per slide.
- Distinct sizes for excitation and emission slides to prevent misinstallation.
- Install and handle by the tab to avoid contaminating filter surfaces.
- When configured as an excitation slide, not compatible with fluorescence polarization (FP) methods.
Molecular Devices Microplate Reader, Multi-Mode, Top/Bottom Read, 200-1000 nm
The SpectraMax M4 is a multi-mode microplate reader designed for absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, and time-resolved fluorescence assays. It supports top and bottom reads and is engineered for flexible, routine laboratory measurements across a range of assay types.
- Multi-mode detection: absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, TRF.
- Top and bottom reading for flexible assay configurations.
- Absorbance range 200-1000 nm, fluorescence/luminescence/TRF 250-850 nm.
- Dual-monochromator based detection for spectral flexibility.
- Compatible with standard microplate formats, including 96-well plates.
- Suitable for enzyme assays, nucleic acid and protein quantitation, and reporter assays.
Molecular Devices SpectraCuvette Adapter, 18 mm, SpectraMax compatible
The Molecular Devices SpectraCuvette Adapter (part number 5301193) adapts standard cuvettes for measurement in compatible microplate readers by positioning cuvettes at a defined plate height for accurate optical alignment and absorbance readings.
- Provides 18 mm plate height for proper optical alignment.
- Holds cuvettes securely for absorbance measurements.
- Designed to maintain plate height below instrument maximums to prevent damage.
- Uses plate-height marking to ensure correct adapter selection.
Molecular Devices Emission Filter, 595 nm, 35 nm Bandwidth
This emission filter provides selective fluorescence emission detection with a 595 nm center wavelength and a 35 nm bandwidth, designed for use as a plug-in filter element in microplate reader filter wheels and cartridges. Compatible with FilterMax series multi-mode microplate readers.
- Center wavelength 595 nm.
- Bandwidth (FWHM) 35 nm.
- Filter type: fluorescence emission.
- Typical application: fluorescence emission detection in microplate assays.
- Form factor: plug-in filter element for filter wheels or cartridges.
Molecular Devices Emission Filter, 670 nm, 40 nm Bandwidth
Replacement fluorescence emission filter for use with FilterMax series microplate readers. The filter transmits emission light centered at 670 nm with a 40 nm full width at half maximum, supporting detection of deep-red fluorophores in microplate assays.
- Centers at 670 nm with a 40 nm bandwidth.
- Designed for fluorescence emission detection in microplate assays.
- Optimized for deep-red fluorophore signal specificity.
- Reduces spectral crosstalk to improve measurement accuracy.
- Intended for routine maintenance and filter replacement.
Molecular Devices Fluorescence Polarization Filter, 465 nm, Horizontal
This fluorescence polarization filter provides excitation and detection centered at 465 nm with a 35 nm bandwidth and a horizontal polarization orientation. It is supplied with a holder for installation in compatible multi-mode microplate readers and is intended for fluorescence polarization assays.
- enables fluorescence polarization measurements.
- 465 nm center wavelength, 35 nm bandwidth.
- polarized horizontal orientation for FP assays.
- includes a holder for installation in filter slots.
- designed for use with compatible multi-mode microplate readers.
Molecular Devices SpectraMax iD5 Microplate Reader, Bottom Luminescence, 6-384 Well
The SpectraMax iD5 is a multi-mode microplate reader configurable with a bottom luminescence read mode for sensitive luminescence assays. It supports absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, and time-resolved measurements across 6-384 well plates, and accepts optional injectors and micro-volume or blot accessories to expand workflow capability.
- Five detection modes including absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence.
- Compatible with 6-384 well plate formats.
- Optional injector system for on-plate reagent delivery.
- Integrated touchscreen with onboard data acquisition software.
- NFC-enabled filter identification for automated filter selection.
- Temperature control up to 66°C and multiple shaking modes.
Molecular Devices Absorbance Filter, 640 nm, 8 nm BW
The AD 340 absorbance photometric filter provides a narrowband 640 nm passband for absorbance measurements in filter-wheel microplate readers. It is supplied as a single replacement filter for compatible readers and supports assays that require red-wavelength detection.
- Absorbance detection at 640 nm center wavelength.
- Bandwidth 8 nm.
- Designed for filter-wheel microplate reader configurations.
- Single replacement filter for maintenance and assay reproducibility.
- Supports red-wavelength absorbance assays and endpoint measurements.
Molecular Devices Absorbance Filter, 260 nm, 12 nm Bandwidth
The Molecular Devices FilterMax absorbance filter provides selective UV detection at 260 nm with a 12 nm bandwidth for accurate absorbance measurements on compatible multi-mode microplate readers. It is a replacement optical filter intended for absorbance assays such as nucleic acid quantification and related UV measurements.
- Center wavelength 260 nm for UV absorbance measurements.
- 12 nm bandwidth (full width at half maximum) for narrow spectral selection.
- Designed for use in multi-mode microplate readers with removable filter slides.
- Sold individually as a single replacement filter.
- Supports accurate nucleic acid and protein absorbance assays.
Molecular Devices Fluorescence Polarization Filter, 465 nm, 35 nm, Vertical
The Molecular Devices fluorescence polarization filter passes light centered at 465 nm with a 35 nm bandwidth and is polarized for a vertical orientation. Supplied mounted in a holder, the filter is intended as a spare/accessory for compatible multi-mode microplate readers and is optimized for fluorescence polarization assays.
- Passes light centered at 465 nm with a 35 nm bandwidth.
- Vertical polarization to support fluorescence polarization measurements.
- Supplied mounted in a holder for easy insertion into filter slides.
- Optimized for fluorescence polarization assays to improve measurement specificity.
- Reduces background by rejecting off-band light to improve signal-to-noise ratio.
- Handle by the tab only to avoid fingerprints and preserve optical performance.
Molecular Devices Time-Resolved Filter, 350 nm, 60 nm Bandwidth
This time-resolved excitation filter selects short-wavelength excitation light centered at 350 nm with a 60 nm full width, for use in time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) assays on compatible filter-based microplate readers. It is intended for applications that require narrow-band excitation around 350 nm for TRF measurements.
- Time-resolved excitation filter.
- Center wavelength 350 nm.
- Bandwidth 60 nm (full width).
- Optimized for time-resolved fluorescence assays.
- Compatible with SpectraMax iD5 filter module and similar readers.
- Fits standard filter holder assemblies in compatible readers.
Molecular Devices Emission Filter, 465 nm, 35 nm Bandwidth
This emission filter is centered at 465 nm with a 35 nm bandwidth and is designed for fluorescence detection in multi-mode microplate readers. It enables sensitive measurement of blue-emitting fluorophores and serves as a direct replacement filter for compatible reader filter modules.
- Passes emission centered at 465 nm, 35 nm bandwidth.
- Suitable for detection of blue-fluorescent dyes and probes.
- Intended for use in fluorescence-based microplate assays.
- Replacement format designed for plug-in filter modules.
- Helps improve assay specificity by isolating emission band.