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SpectraMax L Microplate Reader

Sensitive luminometer with programmable injector options for 96- and 384-well microplates
Flash and glow luminescence detection in an upgradeable platform
The SpectraMax® L Microplate Reader measures flash and glow luminescence assays in both 96- and 384-well plates. It is upgradeable to include a barcode reader, programmable injectors, and dual-channel configurations for a 2-fold increase for medium throughput. The high sensitivity, low-noise photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), and variable-volume injector configuration make this reader ideal for fast kinetic assays requiring continuous monitoring during injection and measurement.
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Detect all samples
The analog and photon counting capability provides a dynamic range of nine orders of magnitude, eliminating the need to dilute bright samples while maintaining high sensitivity for dim samples.
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Get 2-fold improvement in speed
The 2-channel configuration is available with 0, 2, or 4 injectors. The 4-injector configuration enables a 2-fold improvement in speed for traditional flash and glow assays.
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Automate injector workflows
The autowashing injectors can be programmed to rinse the injectors following each use, reversing the direction of flow so reagents can be recovered.

SpectraMax-L-Lumi
Features
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Reduced 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 low crosstalk.
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PMT calibration
The automatic PMT calibration method is based on readings of 4 internal LEDs at 395, 470, 527, and 570 nm. The manual PMT calibration method is based on readings of 4 wells from the assay itself.
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Application Note
Monitor NF-κB activation with a sensitive dual reporter assay on the SpectraMax iD5 microplate reader
Monitor NF-κB activation with a sensitive dual reporter assay on the SpectraMax iD5 microplate reader
Reporter genes are valuable tools for studying gene expression, serving as surrogates for genes involved in various signaling pathways and disease conditions. Luciferases are the most…
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Application Note
Measuring reactive oxygen species with SpectraMax microplate readers
Measuring reactive oxygen species with SpectraMax microplate readers
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen. In eukaryotes, these molecules are mainly created during aerobic respiration and can cause problems, such…
Applications of SpectraMax L Microplate Reader
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Cytotoxicity
Cytotoxicity is often measured in response to an experimental treatment or potential drug. Having a way to easily screen cytotoxicity in treated cells is critical to identifying new therapeutic treatments or understanding cellular signaling pathways that affect cell health. Common indicators of cytotoxicity include the ATP level in a cell population and integrity of cellular membranes, both of which can be measured using a variety of microplate-based assays.
Cytotoxicity
Cytotoxicity is often measured in response to an experimental treatment or potential drug. Having a way to easily screen cytotoxicity in treated cells is critical to identifying new therapeutic treatments or understanding cellular signaling pathways that affect cell health. Common indicators of cytotoxicity include the ATP level in a cell population and integrity of cellular membranes, both of which can be measured using a variety of microplate-based assays.
ELISA
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are used to measure the amount of a specific protein, typically in a microplate format, and results are most often detected via absorbance in the visible wavelength range. Chemiluminescent and fluorescent ELISA formats offer enhanced sensitivity for accurate quantitation of less abundant analytes.
ELISA
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are used to measure the amount of a specific protein, typically in a microplate format, and results are most often detected via absorbance in the visible wavelength range. Chemiluminescent and fluorescent ELISA formats offer enhanced sensitivity for accurate quantitation of less abundant analytes.
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Mycoplasma Monitoring
Mycoplasma, the smallest and simplest of the prokaryotes, are common contaminants of cell cultures. Symptoms of mycoplasma contamination include a reduction in the rate of proliferation and changes in cellular responses, including gene expression. Mycoplasma cannot be detected by simply examining cell cultures under a microscope, so a variety of methods such as fluorescence- and luminescence-based assays have been developed to enable researchers to monitor for contamination.
Mycoplasma Monitoring
Mycoplasma, the smallest and simplest of the prokaryotes, are common contaminants of cell cultures. Symptoms of mycoplasma contamination include a reduction in the rate of proliferation and changes in cellular responses, including gene expression. Mycoplasma cannot be detected by simply examining cell cultures under a microscope, so a variety of methods such as fluorescence- and luminescence-based assays have been developed to enable researchers to monitor for contamination.
Reporter Gene Assay
Reporter gene assays enable researchers to determine whether a gene is expressed and at what level. They are used to study signaling pathways, gene regulation, structure of regulatory elements, and much more. A reporter gene vector consists of a promoter or gene of interest, along with a reporter gene such as firefly luciferase, which codes for a protein whose activity can be easily measured. The vector is transfected into mammalian cells, and when the gene of interest is active in the cells, the reporter gene is also expressed and can be measured using appropriate detection reagents.
Reporter Gene Assay
Reporter gene assays enable researchers to determine whether a gene is expressed and at what level. They are used to study signaling pathways, gene regulation, structure of regulatory elements, and much more. A reporter gene vector consists of a promoter or gene of interest, along with a reporter gene such as firefly luciferase, which codes for a protein whose activity can be easily measured. The vector is transfected into mammalian cells, and when the gene of interest is active in the cells, the reporter gene is also expressed and can be measured using appropriate detection reagents.
Resources of SpectraMax L Microplate Reader
Application Note
Monitor NF-κB activation with a sensitive dual reporter assay on the SpectraMax iD5 microplate reader
Monitor NF-κB activation with a sensitive dual reporter assay on the SpectraMax iD5 microplate reader
Reporter genes are valuable tools for studying gene expression, serving as surrogates for genes involved in various signaling pathways and disease conditions. Luciferases are the most…
Application Note
Measuring reactive oxygen species with SpectraMax microplate readers
Measuring reactive oxygen species with SpectraMax microplate readers
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen. In eukaryotes, these molecules are mainly created during aerobic respiration and can cause problems,…
Application Note
MycoAlert Mycoplasma Detection Assays on Molecular Devices Microplate Readers
MycoAlert Mycoplasma Detection Assays on Molecular Devices Microplate Readers
Mycoplasma, the smallest and simplest of the prokaryotes, are common contaminants of cell cultures. Symptoms of mycoplasma contamination include a reduction in the rate of…
Application Note
Cytotoxicity in Cells: Easy Determination Using Lonza ViaLight Plus and ToxiLight BioAssays on the SpectraMax L Microplate Luminometer
Cytotoxicity in Cells: Easy Determination Using Lonza ViaLight Plus and ToxiLight BioAssays on the SpectraMax L Microplate Luminometer
Bioluminescent cytotoxicity assays offer the user increased detection limits, speed, and accuracy, and have been well documented. Healthy cells maintain a high constant ATP…
Application Note
Dual-Luciferase assays in 96- and 384-well formats on the new SpectraMax L
Dual-Luciferase assays in 96- and 384-well formats on the new SpectraMax L
Reporter gene assays are used to study the expression of eukaryotic genes. In dual reporter gene assays cells are transfected with two vectors, the first containing an experimental…
Application Note
Chemiluminescent VEGF ELISA Using the SpectraMax L Microplate Luminometer
Chemiluminescent VEGF ELISA Using the SpectraMax L Microplate Luminometer
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are a family of secreted polypeptides that have been implicated in mammalian vascular development and in disease processes involving…
Application Note
Protein quantitation with the EMax Plus Microplate Reader
Protein quantitation with the EMax Plus Microplate Reader
Endpoint readers are prolific in the laboratory since absorbance has become the detection of choice for many applications. Examples include ELISAs for quantitation of cytokines and…
Application Note
Luminescent cell viability and cytotoxicity assays on the SpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Luminescent cell viability and cytotoxicity assays on the SpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
The CellTiter-Glo assay from Promega uses luciferase enzyme, which requires ATP in order to generate light. The luminescent signal produced in the assay depends on the amount of ATP in…
Data Sheet
SpectraTest Instrument Validation Packages
SpectraTest Instrument Validation Packages
Keep your instruments in excellent condition by using Molecular Devices SpectraTest Validation plates to ensure consistent data acquistion from Molecular Devices microplate readers.
Data Sheet
SpectraMax L Microplate Reader
SpectraMax L Microplate Reader
Learn more about the SpectraMax L Microplate Reader and its sensitive, reliable optics and injectors, and how it can be utilized to improve your research.
Brochure
SoftMax Pro 7 Data Acquisition and Analysis Software
SoftMax Pro 7 Data Acquisition and Analysis Software
Learn how SoftMax Pro 7 Data Acquisition Software provides a new data analysis features, while keeping its intuitive layout.
Brochure
Innovative Solutions for Drug Discovery and Life Sciences Research
Innovative Solutions for Drug Discovery and Life Sciences Research
Molecular Devices is a leading provider of high-performance bioanalytical measurement solutions for life science research, pharmaceutical development, and biotherapeutic discovery. Our…
Videos and Demos

Discovery and Functional Fine-Mapping of Expression Quantitative Trait Loci in Primary Liver Tissue
SpectraMax® L Microplate Reader
Product | Product Number |
SpectraMax L Microplate Reader | SpectraMax L Config |
BRET1 Filter Set (480nm/535nm) | 0310-5706 |
BRET2 Filter Set (410nm/515nm) | 0310-5707 |
Barcode reader | 0310-5743 |
SpectraTest LM1 Luminescence Validation Plate | 0200-6186 |
StakMax Handling Stacker Base Unit | STAKMAX |
Microplate Reader Shelf | 9000-0756 |
Related Products & Services of SpectraMax L Microplate Reader
Featured Applications

Cytotoxicity
Cytotoxicity is often measured in response to an experimental treatment or potential drug. Having a…

ELISA
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are used to measure the amount of a specific protein,…

Mycoplasma Monitoring
Mycoplasma, the smallest and simplest of the prokaryotes, are common contaminants of cell cultures…

Reporter Gene Assay
Reporter gene assays enable researchers to determine whether a gene is expressed and at what level…
Customer Breakthrough


SUCCESS STORY
University of Geneva uses the FlexStation 3 and SpectraMax readers for assay development and screening
Supporting a wide range of assays from enzymatic target to cell-based assays.
Ready to get started?
We are ready to help you solve your tough research challenges. Our proven solutions and highly qualified teams across the globe can help advance your next big discovery.
Maximize flexibility in application workflow and experimental design
Contact our specialist today to discuss how to implement a solution that works for you
Ready to get started?
We are ready to help you solve your tough research challenges. Our proven solutions and highly qualified teams across the globe can help advance your next big discovery.
Maximize flexibility in application workflow and experimental design
Contact our specialist today to discuss how to implement a solution that works for you