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Microplate Readers

How Microplate Readers Work & How We Save You Time & Money

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Microplate reader diagram

Microplate readers are used to detect biological, chemical, or physical events—as well as properties and analytes—within the device’s well plates via the measurement of light.

Biotech diagram

Plate readers/detectors are found in a wide variety of laboratories and see extensive use in numerous applications across a wide range of disciplines, including:

  • Life sciences
  • Basic research
  • Target discovery/Lead discovery
  • Bioassay validation
  • Quality control
  • Drug safety
  • Toxicity testing
  • Biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes

Furthermore, plate readers are found in both industrial and academic settings, as well as food, cosmetics, and environmental research.

Depending on the manufacturer, plate readers can be equipped with a 96- or 384-well microplate or a standard cuvette, and can handle large amounts of samples in minutes or even seconds thanks to a wide range of well formats and multi-channel optics.

Furthermore, the use of robotic microplate stackers increases throughput. If your lab is in need of high-throughput screening (HTS) and detection, microplate readers are an excellent addition to your lab. Automation is a key feature and allows for integration into automated systems and workflows.

Plate readers help reduce operational time while saving on reagent costs as well, allowing researchers and scientists to spend more time on data analysis.

Microplate Reader Detection Modes, Applications, & Price

An open hand with a DNA strand coming out of the palm

Sometimes called microplate spectrophotometers or photometers—these singe- and multi-mode instruments work similarly to spectrophotometers, however, the method of photometry used differs.

While a standard spectrophotometer only measures one sample at a time in a cuvette, an absorbance plate reader can measure the same application with much higher throughput.

Readers largely differ by the type of detection mode they offer. Samples that are pipetted into the wells produce, convert, or transmit light signals that are detected using a photomultiplier tube (PMT). The PMT converts the photons into electricity that is then quantified by the plate reader.

The most common detection modes include:

  • Absorbance (Visible and UV-Vis)
  • Fluorescence intensity
  • Luminescence

Readers may also include additional detection modules such as those for:

  • AlphaScreen®
  • Nephelometry

Depending on the optical signal changes that occur during a reaction, samples may need to be excited by light at specific wavelengths. Detection mode is based on the type of excitation that needs to occur to detect a signal.

Plate readers support various wavelength ranges. To ensure only specific wavelengths are used, the light produced by the light source is selected by a specific excitation filter or monochromator.

Excitation light is usually provided by a broad band xenon flash lamp, however, detecting luminescence doesn’t require a light source as the samples emit light on their own through chemical or biochemical reactions.

Increasing sensitivity and specificity can also be controlled by filters or monochromators, however, these devices are usually placed between the sample and detector.

Research-Based Applications

Readers are found everywhere in research, as they help facilitate improved processes and efficiency, as well as minimized operational time. Some of the research-based applications these devices are used for include:

  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
  • Protein and Nucleic Acid Quantification
  • Kinetics
  • Protein Assays
  • Cell Density, Viability, Proliferation and Cell Death
  • Fluorescent Protein Assays
  • Gene Expression

Drug Discovery Based Applications

These devices are also highly useful in the area of drug discovery and development. This includes:

  • Live-Cell Assays
  • Phenotypic Screening
  • Amplified Luminescent Proximity Homogeneous Assay Screen (AlphaScreen)
  • Homogeneous Time-Resolved Fluorescence (HTRF)

Absorbance Microplate Reader Leases To Fit Your Lab’s Needs

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Founder-Friendly Leases

Our lease agreements are founder-friendly and flexible, helping you preserve working capital, strengthen the cash flow of your business, and keep business credit lines open for expansions, staffing, and other crucial operational expenses and business development opportunities.

2-5 Year Lease Lengths

Leases range from 2 to 5 years. Length will depend on several factors, including how long you want to use the equipment, equipment type, and your company’s financial position. These are standard factors leasing companies consider and help us tailor a lease agreement to fit your needs.

Your Choice of Manufacturer

We don’t carry an inventory. This means you’re not limited to a specific set of manufacturers. Instead, you can pick the equipment that aligns with your business goals and preferences. We’ll work with the manufacturer of your choice to get the equipment in your facility as quickly as possible.

Maintenance & Repair Coverage

Bundle preventive maintenance and repair coverage with your lease agreement. You can spread those payments over time. Easily maintain your equipment, minimize the chances something will break down, repair instrumentation quickly, and simplify your payment processes.

End-of-Lease Options

At the end of your lease, you have multiple options. You can either renew the lease at a significantly lower price, purchase the machine outright based on the fair market value of the original pricing, or call it a day and we’ll come the pick up the equipment for you free of charge.

No Loan-Like Terms

Our leases do not include loan-like terms, which can be restrictive or harmful in certain situations. We do not require debt covenants, IP pledges, collateral,  or equity participation. Our goal is to maximize your flexibility. When you lease with us, you’re collaborating with a true business partner.

In-House Underwriting Process

Our underwriting is done in-house. You can expect quicker turnaround, allowing you respond to your equipment needs as they arise. We require less documentation than traditional lenders and financiers and can get the equipment you need in operation more quickly.

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