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 Absorbance Filter, 414 nm, 10 nm, FilterMax
The FilterMax absorbance photometric filter provides a narrowband 414 nm detection channel with a 10 nm bandwidth for photometric and absorbance assays on compatible multimode microplate readers. It is an optical replacement accessory intended to restore or extend the absorbance measurement capability of readers that accept replaceable filters.
- Center wavelength 414 nm, bandwidth 10 nm.
- Designed for narrowband absorbance and photometric measurements.
- Intended as a replacement optical filter for compatible multimode microplate readers.
- Supports absorbance-based assays that require a 414 nm detection channel.
- Sold as a single replacement filter for installation by qualified service personnel.
Molecular Devices Microplate Reader, Multi-Mode, 200-1000 nm, 90-240 V
High-performance multi-mode microplate reader for absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence assays. Supports plate and cuvette measurements, automated workflows, and controlled-temperature experiments.
- Multi-mode detection including absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, TRF, FP, and HTRF.
- Wavelength ranges: absorbance 200-1000 nm, fluorescence and luminescence 250-850 nm.
- Xenon flashlamp illumination with photomultiplier tube and silicon photodiode detection.
- Temperature control from ambient +2°C to 60°C.
- Automation ready with cuvette port, plate shaking, and robotics compatibility.
- Power input 90-240 V AC.
Molecular Devices Fluorescence Polarization Filter, Polarized Horizontal, 300-750 nm
Molecular Devices polarized horizontal fluorescence polarization filter for use in fluorescence polarization assays on compatible multi-mode microplate readers. The filter transmits across a broad UV-visible range and installs in a standard filter slide to enable polarized detection.
- Polarized horizontal orientation.
- Wavelength range 300-750 nm.
- Enables fluorescence polarization measurements.
- Installs in a standard filter slide for compatible multi-mode readers.
- Broad UV-visible transmission for diverse fluorophores.
Molecular Devices Microplate Reader, Multi-Mode, Dual Monochromators, 6-384 Well
The SpectraMax M5 multi-mode microplate reader delivers flexible, sensitive measurement capabilities for a wide range of plate-based biochemical and cell-based assays. It combines scanning monochromators, automated detector optimization, and an integrated cuvette port to support absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, and time-resolved assays across 6-384 well plates.
- Multi-mode detection for absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, TRF, and FP.
- Dual scanning monochromators with 1 nm wavelength resolution.
- AutoPMT optimization for extended dynamic range and per-well sensitivity.
- Integrated cuvette port for single-cuvette measurements.
- Temperature control from ambient +2°C to ~60°C with linear shaking.
- Supports 6-384 well plates and automation integration.
Molecular Devices Desktop PC Bundle, Tower, Configured for Instrument Control
Molecular Devices PC Desktop Bundle Tower provides a tower-form desktop computer bundle intended to support instrument control and data acquisition workflows in laboratory environments.
- Tower desktop form factor for space-efficient placement and serviceability.
- Preconfigured for instrument control and data acquisition integration.
- Includes hardware and service components for system installation and support.
- Listed as a service/parts desktop bundle by distributors; configuration may vary.
Molecular Devices Filter Lens, 560 nm, EMax and VMax Compatible
The 560 nm filter lens is an optical replacement filter designed for use with EMax and VMax microplate readers. It provides centered transmission at 560 nanometers for measurements that require that wavelength and is supplied as an individual replacement lens.
- Optical center wavelength 560 nm.
- Compatible with EMax and VMax microplate readers.
- Sold as a single replacement filter lens.
- Intended for fluorescence and absorbance applications requiring a 560 nm bandpass.
Molecular Devices Fluorescence Emission Filter, 430 nm, 35 nm Bandwidth
Molecular Devices fluorescence emission filter providing a narrow emission band centered at 430 nm for fluorescence detection. The filter has a 35 nm full width at half maximum (FWHM) bandwidth and is intended for use in filter-based fluorescence detection systems such as microplate readers.
- Provides emission bandpass centered at 430 nm.
- 35 nm full width at half maximum bandwidth.
- Designed for fluorescence detection applications.
- Suitable for use in filter-based microplate readers and optical filter assemblies.
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 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 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, 590 nm, 20 nm, Horizontal
This fluorescence polarization filter isolates emission at 590 nm with a 20 nm bandpass and is supplied with a holder for installation in compatible microplate readers, including SpectraMax models. It is intended for fluorescence polarization assays where precise emission isolation and polarized detection are required.
- Center wavelength 590 nm.
- Bandwidth 20 nm.
- Polarized orientation horizontal.
- Includes holder for instrument installation.
- Designed for fluorescence polarization assays.
- Compatible with polarization detection modules in microplate readers.
Molecular Devices Fluorescence Polarization Filters, 590 nm, 20 nm
Fluorescence polarization emission filter set for fluorescence polarization and related fluorescence detection assays. The set includes two polarized emission filters and a holder for mounting in compatible filter-based fluorescence instruments.
- Set of two polarized emission filters for fluorescence polarization measurements.
- Center wavelength 590 nm, bandwidth 20 nm.
- One vertical and one horizontal polarized filter for polarization assays.
- Includes holder for secure filter mounting.
- Designed for use in fluorescence polarization and related fluorescence detection workflows.