Flexible, Automated Liquid Transfer: Using an 8- or 16-channel pipettor, the FlexStation 3 Microplate Reader offers added assay flexibility over dispenser-based systems by directly transferring reagents from 96- or 384- well source plates to a read plate, one column at a time. In addition, users can define individual reagents and concentrations to be delivered to each column. The direct transfer capability reduces reagent consumption and allows more assay conditions to be explored in a single microplate, making the system more amenable to agonist and antagonist assay formats.

Assay Optimization: With the FlexStation 3 Microplate Reader, the dispense parameters can be optimized for each reagent addition to accommodate cells with different adherence characteristics, such as adjusting dispense velocity to prevent cell dislodging. The ability of the system to allow multiple additions enables secondary controls to be added to each well. In addition, trituration (i.e., the mixing of well contents through repeated aspiration and dispensing using the pipettor) can improve the assay two ways: resuspending compounds that have settled at the bottom of the wells in the source plate or quickly mixing reagents to promote an even, rapid response with minimal assay variability.

Multiple Detection Modes: The optics in the FlexStation 3 Microplate Reader are designed to easily adapt to changes in assay requirements while maintaining the optimal performance of a single-mode reader. Based on Molecular Devices' SpectraMax® M5^e Microplate Reader platform, this five-mode reader addresses multiple application technologies including absorbance, fluorescence intensity, fluorescence polarization, luminescence, and time-resolved fluorescence.

Precision Optics and Detectors: The FlexStation 3 Microplate Reader utilizes several key technologies to ensure optimal sensitivity for all modes.

• Dual monochromators allow users to target the optimal assay excitation and emission wavelengths and eliminate the need to change expensive band pass filters between experiments
• Dual photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) provide detection flexibility to the widest variety of assays
• Auto PMT optimization system electronics avoid saturating the photomultiplier tube. The signal is calibrated against an internal standard, so the reported RFU values of individual samples can be accurately compared
• A dedicated PMT for luminescence applications provides the necessary sensitivity demanded by luminescence assays
• Reference diodes automatically adjust to slight fluctuations in excitation intensity to reduce measurement noise
• Absorbance applications are enhanced using top-quality UV grade fibers to provide strong light transmission in the lowest wavelengths

Patented PathCheck Pathlength Measurement Technology: Only Molecular Devices microplate plate readers offer the capability to measure the depth (optical path length) of samples with no temperature-dependency using the patented PathCheck® Path length Correction technology. With SoftMax Pro Software, the PathCheck Pathlength Correction technology automatically normalizes the well absorbance. This eliminates the need for standard curves, and for compounds with known absorptive properties, enables users to calculate concentrations directly from absorbance.

**For properly functioning, operated and maintained equipment.

SoftMax Pro Software, Molecular Devices' industry leading all-in-one data acquisition and analysis software, offers:

• The most extensive library of supported application protocols to get you started faster
• Optional tools for regulated labs with SoftMax Pro GxP Software to speed compliance
• Advanced calculations including non-linear fitting metrics for in-depth analysis
• The only Mac- and Windows-native application support for seamless exchange of data files between operating systems
• Proven integrations with leading automation and LIMS platforms for partnered solutions

Softmax Pro Software also enables the user to validate the integrated 8- and 16-channel pipettor head performance. The FlexStation 3 Microplate Reader offers this fluid transfer validation using the patented PathCheck® Pathlength Correction technology. These tools can be used in conjunction with SoftMax Pro Validation Package and IQ/OQ/PQ Validation protocols for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.

The FlexStation 3 Microplate reader supports a wide variety of assay categories including:

• Fast Kinetic Calcium mobilization assays
• Membrane potential assays
• ELISAs      
• DNA/RNA Quantitation        
• Protein Assays       
• Enzyme Kinetics    
• Protease Assays    
• Fluorescent Proteins and FRET        
• Cell Viability and Cytotoxicity Assays           
• Reporter Gene Assays        
• Cell Migration Assays         
• Cell Adhesion Assays
• Fatty Acid Uptake Assay     
• Neurotransmitter Transporter Uptake Assays 
• ADME-Tox 
• Membrane Permeability
• Phosphotase/Kinase Assays
• Microbial Growth Assays
• Endotoxin Assays

• Low Volume Applications

Molecuar Devices microplate readers have the most complete level of product validation and compliance of any system on the market. SpectraTest® Validation Packages are available to determine the optical characteristics of the system.  

Molecular Devices provides the complete solution covering the instrument and software.

• SpectraTest® ABS1, FL1, and LM1 Validation Plates for hardware validation of absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence modes
• 0112-0160: FlexStation 3 Benchtop Multi-Mode Microplate Reader IQ/OQ Validation Protocols (Detailed hardware specifications with IQ/OQ checklists for use in system owner qualification plans)
• SoftMax Pro Software validation package
• Software tools for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance
• 0200-6262: SpectraDrop™ Micro-Volume Microplate Starter Kit

• 0200-6267: SpectraDrop™ Micro-Volume Microplate HTS Kit