SpectraMax L Microplate Readers
A Flexible, Sensitive Luminometer for 96- or 384-well Microplates
Features
- Unsurpassed Sensitivity
- Low Background and
Cross-talk
- Autorinse Injectors for Robust Performance
- Eight Orders of Dynamic Range
- IQ/OQ/PQ, Software,
and FDA CFR 21 Part 11
Compliance Tools
- Industry-Leading SoftMax Pro Data Analysis Software
The SpectraMax® L microplate luminometer from Molecular Devices offers the sensitivity, reliability, flexibility, automation options, and validation tools required by today's leading laboratories. The system is ideal for measuring flash and glow assays, including dual luciferase and acridinium ester flash assays, in both 96- and 384-well plates. Ultra-fast photon counting technology provides
a superior signal-to-noise ratio for the detection of analytes and lower levels of gene expression. Industry-leading SoftMax® Pro software eliminates the need to export data to spreadsheet programs, and manages instrument control and results generation in a GxP environment. Applications for SpectraMax L include assays for single-and dual luciferase reporter genes, ATP, dsDNA, aequorin-Ca2+, and luminescence-based ELISA.
Reduce Noise
Ultra-fast photon counting technology amplifies the PMT signal with a fast pulse amplifier. This reduced noise capability enables a higher signal-to-noise ratio and the lowest crosstalk in laboratory assays. For example, pulses below a set noise threshold are excluded when computing signal from the assay.
Eight Orders of Dynamic Range
AutoRange™, a proprietary simultaneous analog
and photon counting capability, provides a
dynamic range of more than eight orders of
magnitude, eliminating the need to dilute bright
samples while maintaining excellent sensitivity
for dim samples.
Precise and Reliable AutoRinsing Injectors
The SpectraMax L system’s next-generation
injectors enable better results and more robust
performance over current offerings. For example,
to prevent precipitation from clogging injector
lines, the lines must be rinsed of reagents when
the instrument is idle overnight. The system
features a unique AutoWash™ function that can
be programmed to rinse the injectors following
each use of the instrument and the direction of
flow can be reversed so reagents can be recovered
before the rinsing is started. Furthermore, the
automatic injection counter sends an alert at
every 750,000 injections to indicate when minor
injector maintenance is due. Finally, high velocity
injection eliminates the low-quality
data associated with slow mixing for better
performance.
Easy-To-Use, Industry-Leading Software
Instrument control, data collection and data
reduction are managed through SoftMax Pro
software. Instrument control settings include
Endpoint, Dual-Read, Kinetic, and Fast Kinetic
modes. The Template assignment feature is
used to create a map defining each well of the
microplate. (See Figure 1a.) Concentrations,
dilutions, and customized sample names can
be entered in this template menu. Data can be
reduced using predefined or custom formulas.
Results are displayed in each well of the
microplate. (See Figure 1b.) Graphs are easily
plotted and labeled using the graphing function.
(See Figure 2.) Luminescence-specific protocols
include Dual Luciferase Reporter Gene, doublestranded
DNA, ATP, ELISA Glow, Fast Kinetics,
and Long Kinetics assays.
Integrated Stacker and Robot Compatibility
Molecular Devices offers the StakMax™ microplate
stacker for use with SpectraMax L. The ability to
read microplates in both landscape and portrait
positions provides flexibility for optimum use
of deck space when integrating with third-party
liquid handling robots.
SoftMax Pro GxP and its software validation
package provide comprehensive documentation
and extensive data sets in CD-ROM format to
meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and GxP compliance
requirements.
Technical Specifications
Performance Specifications |
| Cross-talk (96-well) |
< 10-6 (black plate), < 10-5
(white plate) |
| Read modes: |
Endpoint, Kinetic, Fast Kinetic,
Dual-Read |
| Injector: |
2 variable volume injectors
(10–100 μL), one in read
head and the other directed to
preceding well |
| Injector accuracy: |
±1 μL |
| Injector precision: |
±1 μL |
| Sensitivity: |
< 20 attomol ATP per well |
| Spectral range: |
380–630 nm |
| Dynamic range: |
> 8 decades |
| Heater: |
Temperature range: ambient
+5°C to 45°C |
| AutoMix: |
Proprietary four-mode mixing |
General Specifications |
Dimensions (in.) |
16.5 (W) x 17 (D) x 9.5 (H) |
Dimensions (cm) |
42 (W) x 43 (D) x 24.3 (H) |
Weight |
36 lbs (16.4 kg) |
Power Source |
230 VAC 50 hZ, 115 VAC 60 Hz |
Detector |
Low-noise photomultiplier tube with simultaneous photon counting and analog mode |
Plate formats |
All 96- and 384-well microplates with standard SBS footprint: 128.2 x 86.0 mm (L & W) and heights from 13.5-15.5 mm |
Plate orientation |
Landscape and portrait |
| Software |
SoftMax Pro for Windows® and MacIntosh® |
| Robot Integration |
Through SoftMax Pro software |
|