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, 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 Absorbance Microplate Reader, 384-well, 190-1000 nm, Temperature Controlled
The SpectraMax Plus 384 absorbance microplate reader from Molecular Devices provides UV-visible absorbance measurements for 96- and 384-well plates, as well as standard cuvettes and test tubes. It combines full spectral scanning, multiple read modes, and plate temperature control to support routine assays and higher-throughput workflows.
- Full spectral scanning from 190 to 1000 nm for UV-visible measurements.
- Supports 96-well, 384-well, and strip-well plates, plus standard cuvettes and 12 x 75 mm test tubes.
- Endpoint, kinetic, and spectrum read modes for diverse assay formats.
- Pathlength correction normalizes absorbance to a 1 cm path length.
- Plate chamber temperature control from 4°C above ambient to 45°C with < 1.0°C variation.
- Dedicated cuvette chamber with percent transmission or absorbance display and reference correction.
- Designed for both routine 96-well workflows and high-throughput 384-well assays.
Molecular Devices Emission Slide, Empty, Slide 21, FilterMax Compatible
The empty emission slide is an unpopulated emission filter slide designed to accept user-selected emission filters for custom fluorescence configurations on compatible microplate readers. It installs into the reader's filter slider assembly to provide flexible emission filter selection for fluorescence assays while excluding fluorescence polarization methods.
- Empty emission filter slide for custom filter installation.
- Accepts emission filter elements for fluorescence detection.
- Configurable for fluorescence methods except fluorescence polarization.
- Supplied as a single slide for in-lab or service installation.
- Installs into the reader filter slider assembly for filter mounting.
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 Fluorescence Filter, 447 nm, 60 nm, With Holder
Fluorescence donor emission filter for SpectraMax iD5 and iD5e multi-mode microplate readers, centered at 447 nm with a 60 nm bandwidth, supplied with a holder for mounting and optical alignment.
- Isolates emission centered at 447 nm with a 60 nm bandwidth.
- Includes holder for secure mounting in the instrument filter module.
- Compatible with fluorescence and NanoBRET assays on multi-mode microplate readers.
- Improves signal separation for donor emission detection and assay sensitivity.
- Designed for easy installation and reliable optical alignment.
Molecular Devices Fluorescence Polarization Filter, 595 nm, 35 nm BW
A fluorescence polarization emission filter optimized for 595 nm detection with a 35 nm bandwidth and vertical polarization. Designed for fluorescence polarization assays, the filter improves signal selectivity and reduces background when detecting TAMRA-like red fluorophores. It is compatible with filter-based microplate readers.
- Center wavelength 595 nm for red emission detection.
- 35 nm bandwidth to balance sensitivity and selectivity.
- Vertical polarization for fluorescence polarization measurements.
- Suitable for use in filter-based microplate reader filter holders.
- Optimized for TAMRA and similar red fluorophores.
Molecular Devices Time Resolved Filter, 642 nm, 10 nm Bandwidth
Manufactured by Molecular Devices, this time-resolved interference filter provides a narrow optical band centered at 642 nm with a 10 nm full width at half maximum (FWHM) for improved signal specificity in time-resolved fluorescence assays. It is intended as a plug-in accessory for compatible multi-mode microplate readers to enable sensitive TRF measurements.
- Center wavelength: 642 nm.
- Bandwidth: 10 nm FWHM.
- Filter type: time-resolved fluorescence interference filter.
- Optimized for time-resolved fluorescence assays to reduce background signal.
- Designed as a plug-in accessory for compatible multi-mode microplate readers.
Alkali Scientific ASI™ Black Confocal Dish 35 x10mm, Easy-Grip, Adhesion Type, Sterile, Treated (Positive-Charged/ Surface Coated), 50/Cs, 22 x 22 x 0.13mm, Hole 1.33mm, PS/Flux
ASI™ confocal products allow researchers to acquire high resolution microscopic images of cells in 35 mm culture dishes or 6 well plates. Low auto-fluorescence glass and FLux were used, ideal for uses of these products are confocal microscopy, phase contrast microscopy, live cell imaging and micro-manipulations. Surface materials for confocal products:Glass: naturally charged, good growth surface for adherent cellsFLux: surface modified plastic film (188 μm thick), optimal for confocal microscopy Bottom materials: Glass/FLux (no surface treatment for glass bottom) Coverslip: #1.5 Dish color: Clear/Black Dish size: 35 Ø Hole size: 13 Ø / 20 Ø / 25Ø Non – pyrogenic Non – cytotoxic DNase / RNase – free Human DNA – free
Molecular Devices Microplate Reader, Fluorescence, Dual Monochromator, 250-850 nm
The Gemini EM is a dual-monochromator fluorescence microplate reader that provides tunable excitation and emission selection for flexible assay development and sensitive fluorescence detection across common plate formats.
- Dual monochromators enable wavelength selection from 250-850 nm in 1 nm increments.
- Supports top and bottom reads for a variety of sample formats.
- Compatible with 6-384 well microplates for diverse throughput needs.
- Xenon flash lamp and photomultiplier tube detector deliver high sensitivity.
- Suitable read modes include endpoint, kinetic, spectrum scan, and well scan.
- Temperature control from ambient +4°C to 45°C for temperature-sensitive assays.
- Compact footprint: 34 cm x 42 cm x 42 cm (H x W x D).
Molecular Devices Fluorescence Polarization Filter, 535 nm, 25 nm, Horizontal
Molecular Devices fluorescence polarization emission filter designed for fluorescence polarization measurements. The filter provides a 535 nm center wavelength, a 25 nm bandwidth, and a horizontal polarization orientation; it is supplied with a holder for installation.
- Center wavelength: 535 nm.
- Bandwidth (full width): 25 nm.
- Polarization: horizontal.
- Includes holder for installation.
- Primary application: fluorescence polarization measurements in microplate assays.
Molecular Devices Fluorescence Polarization Filters, 400-750 nm, Polarized
Molecular Devices fluorescence polarization filter set (6590-0133) provides polarized excitation and emission filters plus a holder for fluorescence polarization assays on compatible multi-mode microplate readers. The kit includes polarized filters for broad visible-to-near-IR detection and is supplied as two vertically polarized and two horizontally polarized filters for polarization-based measurements.
- Wavelength range 400-750 nm.
- Polarization orientation: two vertical, two horizontal.
- Set of four filters with holder for slide installation.
- Intended for fluorescence polarization measurements.
- Suitable for broad visible to near-infrared fluorescence detection.
Molecular Devices Polarization Emission Filter, Fluorescence Polarization, Visible
This polarization emission filter is an accessory for multimode microplate readers, intended for fluorescence polarization (FP) measurements in the visible range. It enables polarization-based fluorescence assays when installed in the reader's emission filter position.
- Enables fluorescence polarization emission measurements.
- Designed for visible wavelength range.
- Intended for multimode microplate readers.
- Supplied as a single unit.
Molecular Devices Fluorescence Filter, 700 nm, 60 nm Bandwidth, Holder
Molecular Devices fluorescence emission filter with holder (MPN 6590-0114) provides selective far-red detection at a 700 nm center wavelength with a 60 nm optical bandwidth. It is sold as a replaceable accessory for compatible multi-mode microplate readers and mounts in the instrument's filter holder for reliable signal selection.
- Center wavelength: 700 nm.
- Bandwidth: 60 nm.
- Filter type: emission filter for far-red fluorescence.
- Includes holder for instrument mounting.
- Typical application: far-red fluorescence assays on compatible readers.
Molecular Devices Time-Resolved Emission Filter, 616 nm, 10 nm Bandwidth
This Molecular Devices time-resolved emission filter provides a 616 nm center wavelength with a 10 nm bandwidth for time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) and TR-FRET detection in multi-mode microplate readers. It is intended to isolate emission bands and improve signal selectivity in time-resolved assays.
- Optimized for time-resolved fluorescence and TR-FRET assays.
- 616 nm center wavelength, 10 nm bandwidth.
- Emission filter configured for use in microplate reader filter holders.
- Improves emission selectivity and reduces background signal.
- Referenced in instrument application notes for optimized TR-FRET settings.