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SpectraMax L Microplate Readers

A Flexible, Sensitive Luminometer for 96- or 384-well Microplates, Now Up To Six Times Faster

Features

  • Unsurpassed Sensitivity
  • Low Background and
    Cross-talk
  • Multi-channel Configurations for a 6-fold Improvement in Throughput
  • Autorinse Injectors for Robust Performance
  • Nine Orders of Dynamic Range
  • IQ/OQ/PQ, Software,
    and FDA CFR 21 Part 11
    Compliance Tools
  • Promega DLR certified
  • Industry-Leading SoftMax Pro Data Analysis Software

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The SpectraMax® L microplate luminometer from Molecular Devices offers the sensitivity, reliability, flexibility, upgradability, automation options, and validation tools required by today's leading laboratories. The system is ideal for measuring flash and glow assays, including dual luciferase reporter gene, G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) via aequorin, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), and acridinium ester flash assays, in both 96- and 384-well plates. The SpectraMax L system is upgradeable to multi-channel configurations for a 6-fold increase in throughput for medium throughput and secondary screening laboratories. 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. SoftMax Pro GxP software 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.

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.

Nine Orders of Dynamic Range

The MaxRange simultaneous analog and photon counting capability provides a dynamic range of more than nine orders of magnitude, eliminating the need to dilute bright samples while maintaining excellent sensitivity for dim samples.

Up to 6-Times Faster

The SpectraMax L is available in 1-, 2-, and 6-channel (Photomultiplier Tube) configurations. The 6-channel configuration is available with 0 or 12 injectors for a 6-fold increase in throughput for flash and glow assays including GPCR via aequorin (Figure 1) and dual luciferase reporter gene screening.

Multi-Channel GPCR Agonist Screening (Figure 1)


Aequorin calcium testing with AqueoZen H1 cells expressing histamine H1 receptor EC50 curves are shown for histamine (blue) and HTMT (red). Read on a 6-channel SpectraMax L system.

The 2-channel configuration is available with 0, 2, or 4 injectors. The 4 injector configuration enables flash and glow BRET assays and a 2-fold improvement in speed for traditional flash and glow assays. The 2-injector configuration enables flash and glow BRET assays, a 2-fold increase in speed for traditional glow assays, and normal speed for traditional flash assays. The 0-injector configuration enables BRET assays and a 2-fold increase in speed for traditional glow assays.

Automatic And Manual PMT Calibration

The SpectraMax L system offers two methods to correct inherent PMT spectral response variability in multi-channel configurations. The automatic PMT calibration method is based on readings of 4 internal LEDs at 395, 470, 527, and 570 nm. Figure 2 shows the PMT to PMT precision for wells of various intensities read by 6 individual PMTs calibrated with the LED-based method. The manual PMT calibration method is based on readings of 4 wells from the assay itself.

Multi-Channel Precision (Figure 2)

  PMT A PMT B PMT C PMT D PMT E PMT F % CV
Well
G3
1,628,191 1,627,582 1,625,907 1,571,876 1,545,156 1,503,744 3.3
Well
G4
547,689 556,538 549,591 537,070 520,716 516,914 3.0
Well
G5
61,233 62,368 60,769 60,142 57,842 58,030 3.0
Well
G6
7,918 8,238 7,822 7,885 7,824 7,714 2.3

PMT to PMT RLU precision on four wells ranging in brightness from 8,000 to 1,600,000 RLU read on a 6-channel SpectraMax L system using the automatic internal LED PMT calibration method.

Precise And Reliable Autowashing 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 when 75 million µL have been injected to indicate when minor injector maintenance is due.

Easy-To-Use, Industry-Leading Software

Instrument control, data collection and data analysis are managed through SoftMax Pro software. Data can be analyzed using predefined or custom formulas. Results are displayed in each well of the microplate. Graphs are easily plotted and labeled using the graphing function. (See Figure 3.)

User-Friendly Software (Figure 3)


SoftMax Pro software has user-friendly graphing functions and spreadsheet capabilities.

Integrated Stacker and Robot Compatibility

Molecular Devices offers the StakMax® microplate stacker for use with the SpectraMax L system. (See Figure 4.) Landscape and portrait positions provide flexibility for optimum use of deck space when integrating with third-party liquid handling robots.

Integrated Stacker Option (Figure 4)


The SpectraMax L reader is easily integrated with the optional StakMax microplate handling system from Molecular Devices for automated multi-plate assays.

Technical Specifications

Performance Specifications

Cross-talk
(96-well)
3 x 10-5
Read modes: Endpoint, Kinetic, Fast Kinetic, Dual-Read
Injector: 2 variable volume injectors (10-200 µl) per read head
Injector accuracy: ±1 µL ±2%
Injector precision: ±1 µL ±2%
Sensitivity: < 20 attomol ATP per well, < 0.2 fg firefly luciferase per well
Spectral range: 380–630 nm
Dynamic range: 9 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 8.75 (H)
Dimensions (cm): 42 (W) x 43 (D) x 22 (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 x 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

FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES.