Microplate readers are a staple of drug discovery, bioassay validation, and manufacturing laboratories worldwide. Using a microplate reader allows researchers to quantify chemical or biological events occurring on a microtiter plate in a reproducible way. Modern microplate and multimode microplate readers can perform several assay types including ELISA’s, protein cell growth assays, nucleic acid and protein quantification, and enzyme activity measurements.
Microplate readers are classified based on their detection modes. Single-mode microplate readers allow only one detection mode, while multimode microplate readers are capable of operating in two or more detection modes. During operation, the detection mode will determine how a microplate reader detects the light signals produced within a specified wavelength range as a result of a biological or chemical reaction on the microtiter plate.
When purchasing a microplate reader, detection mode will often be the foremost consideration. Typically, the detection mode will be dictated by the intended use or application of the microplate reader. For example, ELISA’s and protein assays require measuring the absorbance of the samples while luciferase-based gene expression assays require luminescence measurements. In addition to absorbance and luminescence, other microplate detection modes include fluorescence intensity, time-resolved fluorescence, polarization, and amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay.
Below you will find a few of our top-rated microplate readers, you can compare specifications or request a quote from leading suppliers.
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