New Microplate Reader Systems Primed to Boost Biotech Research

(Winooski, VT, USA) is a recognized leader in the design, manufacture, and sale of microplate instrumentation and software. This spring [2010] they are introducing two new microplate reader technologies. The first, the Synergy H4 Hybrid microplate reader, is a patent-pending device that combines sensitive filter- and flexible monochromator-based optics in one high-performance unit, which offers full microplate-based fluorescence, absorbance, and luminescence capabilities.

The other new instrument, the Epoch Multi-Volume spectrophotometer system, consists of the Epoch microplate reader and the Take3 Multi-Volume plate. Epoch uses monochromator-based optics for absorbance measurements from 200 nm - 999 nm in 6- to 384-well microplates; and the Take3 allows for measurement of up to 16 low-volume (2 µL) samples, 1-cm cuvettes, or BioTek's proprietary BioCell 1-cm quartz vessel. Preprogrammed and user-generated programs are controlled via Gen5 data analysis software.

In addition to the new systems, BioTek recommends its ELx405 magnetic bead washer derived from BioTek's gold-standard ELx405 microplate washer. This instrument offers high-strength biomagnetic separation in 384-well and 96-well microplates. A specialized magnet allows uniform and rapid separation of micrometer- and nanometer-scale magnetic beads, and it may be removed to accommodate other microplate-based assay protocols.

Finally, the EL406 combination microplate washer dispenser offers fast and efficient microplate washing and dispensing of 1536-, 384-, and 96-well microplates. By combining microplate washing with peristaltic and microprocessor-controlled syringe drive-reagent dispensers, researchers can save time and valuable laboratory space.

Related Links:
BioTek Instruments