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SpectraMax M Series Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
Configurable readers with triple-mode cuvette ports, validation tools, and compliance software
Dual monochromators increase performance and assay flexibility
The SpectraMax® M Series Multi-Mode Microplate Readers measure UV and visible absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, fluorescence polarization, TRF and HTRF. Standard features include a cuvette port, spectral scanning in 1 nm increments, and up to six wavelengths per read. These robust readers have been placed in labs from Antarctica to the International Space Station. With optimized reagents, validation tools, and industry-leading SoftMax® Pro Software, they provide consistent performance.
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Assay flexibility
The optical system uses two scanning monochromators so you can determine optimal excitation and emission settings, resulting in assay performance similar to that of dedicated single-mode readers.
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Better absorbance accuracy
Measure sample depth with no temperature dependency using the patented PathCheck® Sensor technology. It automatically normalizes absorbance readings to 1 cm, eliminating the need for standard curves.
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Increased throughput
Integrate easily with our StakMax® Microplate Stacker for walk-away automation. The stacker can hold up to 50 plates and can be configured to include a barcode reader.

SpectraMax M5e Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Features
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Patented optimization
The patented AutoPMT optimization of the SpectraMax M5 reader adjusts the fluorescence detector to each sample well's concentration and normalizes the raw data, extending the dynamic range of assays.
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IQ/OQ/PM Services
Qualify Molecular Devices microplate readers in GLP or GMP environments with our IQ/OQ/PM Services to preserve the documentation of services in a compliant format that can be accessed remotely.
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Validation tools
Extensive suite of validation tools reduces the cost and time of validation by 50% as compared to using multiple platforms to collect and analyze data.
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Compliance software
SoftMax Pro GxP Software extends data acquisition and analysis solution into regulated laboratories working under GMP, GLP, and 21 CFR Part 11 for secure electronic records.
Proven GxP solutions to assure data integrity and compliance
Our comprehensive suite of proven compliance solutions for GMP/GLP labs can advance your efforts to quickly and confidently establish a compliant laboratory.
- Best-in-class microplate readers and washers support all your assay needs
- IQ/OQ/PM services preserve instrument documentation in a digital and compliant format
- Software installation services verify and document that required components are installed to operational specifications
- Software validation service supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11 guidelines
- Validation plates test the performance of your microplate reader using traceable materials for reliable results

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Application Note
Sensitive fluorescent quantitation of DNA with the Quant-iT PicoGreen dsDNA Assay Kit
Sensitive fluorescent quantitation of DNA with the Quant-iT PicoGreen dsDNA Assay Kit
Double-stranded DNA is typically quantitated in microplate readers by measuring the absorbance of the DNA solution at 260 nm. However, this method is only able to measure down to about 250…
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Application Note
Optimized HTRF settings for SpectraMax multi-mode microplate readers
Optimized HTRF settings for SpectraMax multi-mode microplate readers
HTRF assays from Cisbio have evolved to encompass the areas of G protein-coupled receptors, kinases and cell signaling, epigenetics, and biomarkers.
Applications of SpectraMax M Series Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
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Absorbance
Learn all about absorbance detection – how it works, how it’s measured, and how it can be used to calculate concentration. We also provide information on common absorbance applications and assays including ELISAs, nucleic acid and protein quantitation, and microbial growth.
Absorbance
Learn all about absorbance detection – how it works, how it’s measured, and how it can be used to calculate concentration. We also provide information on common absorbance applications and assays including ELISAs, nucleic acid and protein quantitation, and microbial growth.
Cell Viability
Cell viability can be assessed by examining parameters such as cell membrane integrity or the activity of cellular enzymes. On a microplate readers, these parameters can be detected using fluorescent reagents. For example, a red cell-impermeant, DNA-binding dye only stains dead or dying cells whose membranes are compromised, while a green live-cell dye only fluoresces when metabolic enzymes are active.
Cell Viability
Cell viability can be assessed by examining parameters such as cell membrane integrity or the activity of cellular enzymes. On a microplate readers, these parameters can be detected using fluorescent reagents. For example, a red cell-impermeant, DNA-binding dye only stains dead or dying cells whose membranes are compromised, while a green live-cell dye only fluoresces when metabolic enzymes are active.
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ELISA
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are used to measure the amount of a specific protein, using 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, using 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.
Fluorescence
Learn all about fluorescence detection – what it is, how it works, and the instruments used to measure the fluorescence of a sample. We also cover many fluorescence-based assays including cell viability, GPCR activity, and fluorescent nucleic acid quantification.
Fluorescence
Learn all about fluorescence detection – what it is, how it works, and the instruments used to measure the fluorescence of a sample. We also cover many fluorescence-based assays including cell viability, GPCR activity, and fluorescent nucleic acid quantification.
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Fluorescence Polarization (FP)
Fluorescence polarization (FP) is a technique that is widely used to monitor binding events in solution. It can be used to assess biomolecular interactions, including protein-antibody binding and DNA hybridization, as well as enzyme activity, and it has been adapted to basic research as well as high-throughput screening.
Fluorescence Polarization (FP)
Fluorescence polarization (FP) is a technique that is widely used to monitor binding events in solution. It can be used to assess biomolecular interactions, including protein-antibody binding and DNA hybridization, as well as enzyme activity, and it has been adapted to basic research as well as high-throughput screening.
Fluorescent Protein Detection
Fluorescent proteins have become enormously popular as tools for monitoring biological events in vivo. In addition to green fluorescent protein (GFP) from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria, there are now numerous others available from other species of jellyfish and reef coral. These proteins can be expressed in a diverse range of cells and organisms, where they are used to track many cellular processes, including protein synthesis and translocation, gene induction, and cell lineage.
Fluorescent Protein Detection
Fluorescent proteins have become enormously popular as tools for monitoring biological events in vivo. In addition to green fluorescent protein (GFP) from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria, there are now numerous others available from other species of jellyfish and reef coral. These proteins can be expressed in a diverse range of cells and organisms, where they are used to track many cellular processes, including protein synthesis and translocation, gene induction, and cell lineage.
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Luminescence
Learn about luminescence detection – what it is, how it works, and the advantages of luminescence over other detection modes. We’ll cover key luminescence-based assays including dual-luciferase reporter gene, chemiluminescent ELISA, cytotoxicity, and BRET.
Luminescence
Learn about luminescence detection – what it is, how it works, and the advantages of luminescence over other detection modes. We’ll cover key luminescence-based assays including dual-luciferase reporter gene, chemiluminescent ELISA, cytotoxicity, and BRET.
SNP Genotyping
Genotyping is a process for analyzing genetic differences among individuals by examining their DNA sequences. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are one of the most common types of genetic variation, consisting of a single nucleotide mutation at a specific locus. SNP genotyping has proven very useful in identifying disease-related mutations in various species, and as a result many techniques for SNP detection have been developed.
SNP Genotyping
Genotyping is a process for analyzing genetic differences among individuals by examining their DNA sequences. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are one of the most common types of genetic variation, consisting of a single nucleotide mutation at a specific locus. SNP genotyping has proven very useful in identifying disease-related mutations in various species, and as a result many techniques for SNP detection have been developed.
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TRF, TR-FRET & HTRF
Learn all about time-resolved fluorescence – TRF and TR-FRET including HTRF assays. We’ll provide applications resources to aid in your research, including kinase assays, cellular signaling pathways, protein-protein interactions, cell cytotoxicity, and more.
TRF, TR-FRET & HTRF
Learn all about time-resolved fluorescence – TRF and TR-FRET including HTRF assays. We’ll provide applications resources to aid in your research, including kinase assays, cellular signaling pathways, protein-protein interactions, cell cytotoxicity, and more.
Specifications & Options of SpectraMax M Series Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
Resources of SpectraMax M Series Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
Application Note
Sensitive fluorescent quantitation of DNA with the Quant-iT PicoGreen dsDNA Assay Kit
Sensitive fluorescent quantitation of DNA with the Quant-iT PicoGreen dsDNA Assay Kit
Double-stranded DNA is typically quantitated in microplate readers by measuring the absorbance of the DNA solution at 260 nm. However, this method is only able to measure down to about…
Application Note
Optimized HTRF settings for SpectraMax multi-mode microplate readers
Optimized HTRF settings for SpectraMax multi-mode microplate readers
HTRF assays from Cisbio have evolved to encompass the areas of G protein-coupled receptors, kinases and cell signaling, epigenetics, and biomarkers.
Flyer
Comparing luminescence sensitivity of SpectraMax microplate readers using a homogeneous ATP assay
Comparing luminescence sensitivity of SpectraMax microplate readers using a homogeneous ATP assay
ATP standards ranging from 1 μM to 1 pM were prepared as a 10-fold serial dilution series in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). 50 μL of standard was pipetted into the wells of a white…
eBook
Software compliance for GMP/GLP labs
Software compliance for GMP/GLP labs
Become 21 CFR Part 11 compliant with SoftMax Pro 7.1.1 GxP Software.
Application Note
Faster ELISA results with CatchPoint SimpleStep ELISA kits
Faster ELISA results with CatchPoint SimpleStep ELISA kits
CatchPoint SimpleStep ELISA kits give users a 90-minute ELISA workflow, a nearly two-thirds reduction in time compared to conventional ELISAs.
Application Note
Using the NanoOrange Protein Kit with SpectraMax Microplate Readers
Using the NanoOrange Protein Kit with SpectraMax Microplate Readers
This application note describes how to use the NanoOrange® Protein Quantitation Kit from Life Technologies in SpectraMax® microplate readers with the fluorescence detection mode and…
Application Note
High-throughput IgG quantitation platform for clone screening during drug discovery and development
High-throughput IgG quantitation platform for clone screening during drug discovery and development
Biologic drugs are the largest and fastest growing segment of the pharmaceutical industry with sales of €500bn and an annual growth of 8%. Every manufacturing process for potential…
eBook
From ELISA to epigenetics with HTRF
From ELISA to epigenetics with HTRF
HTRF® is a versatile TR-FRET technology developed by Cisbio for detecting biomolecular interactions. Assays encompass the areas of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), kinases and cel…
Application Note
Comparing performance of SpectraMax absorbance microplate readers using an endotoxin assay
Comparing performance of SpectraMax absorbance microplate readers using an endotoxin assay
Control Standard Endotoxin (CSE) was reconstituted with the volume of LAL reagent water (LRW) indicated on the Certificate of Analysis included with the kit to yield a solution of 100…
Application Note
HTRF cAMP dynamic 2 and IP-One assays on the SpectraMax M5e reader
HTRF cAMP dynamic 2 and IP-One assays on the SpectraMax M5e reader
HTRF is a versatile technology developed by Cisbio for detecting molecular interactions between biomolecules.1 Combining the features of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)…
eBook
Optimized Assays for Breakthrough Research
Optimized Assays for Breakthrough Research
Biology research has been greatly simplified by the availability of standardized assay kits, instruments, and assay protocols from commercial manufacturers.
eBook
Power of SpectraMax M
Power of SpectraMax M
For over 13 years, scientists have relied on the industry standard, the SpectraMax® M Series Multi-Mode
Microplate Readers, for their consistent performance, reliability and du…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
IMAP FP kinase assays on the SpectraMax M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
IMAP FP kinase assays on the SpectraMax M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Protein kinases are central to the regulation of many cellular processes. In recent years they have emerged as one of the most important classes of drug targets for cancer and many…
Application Note
EarlyTox Live/Dead Assay Kit on SpectraMax Fluorescence Microplate Readers
EarlyTox Live/Dead Assay Kit on SpectraMax Fluorescence Microplate Readers
Cell viability assays are often performed to assess the effects of a variety of treatments, including drug candidates, pathway activators and inhibitors, and reporter genes. One of the…
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
Measuring cell proliferation using the CyQUANT Cell Proliferation Assay with SpectraMax Microplate Readers
Measuring cell proliferation using the CyQUANT Cell Proliferation Assay with SpectraMax Microplate Readers
Quantitation of cell proliferation using fluorescence allows one to easily monitor the effects of drugs and other experimental treatments on cell growth. The CyQUANT Cell Proliferation…
Application Note
Noninvasive measurement of fluorescent proteins in live cells
Noninvasive measurement of fluorescent proteins in live cells
Fluorescent proteins have become enormously popular as tools for monitoring biological events in vivo. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria was the…
Application Note
IMAP phosphodiesterase assays on SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
IMAP phosphodiesterase assays on SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are a group of enzymes that degrade the phosphodiester bond of cAMP and cGMP, second messengers that are involved in a variety of biological…
Application Note
HTRF cAMP HiRange Assay on SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
HTRF cAMP HiRange Assay on SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
HTRF is a versatile technology developed by Cisbio Bioassays for detecting biomolecular interactions1. It combines fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technology with time-…
Application Note
Detect Inflammatory Cytokines at Picogram Levels with Sword ELISA Boosters
Detect Inflammatory Cytokines at Picogram Levels with Sword ELISA Boosters
Traditional ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) methods using the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) substrate 3,3’,5,5’- tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) often fail to detect low abundance…
Application Note
Detect SNPs with KASP genotyping technology on SpectraMax microplate readers
Detect SNPs with KASP genotyping technology on SpectraMax microplate readers
Genotyping is a process for analyzing genetic differences among individuals by examining their DNA sequences. The many methods available for genotyping enable researchers to…
Application Note
Multitask kinetic measurements of IPTG’s effects on protein expression and cell growth
Multitask kinetic measurements of IPTG’s effects on protein expression and cell growth
Measuring several different signal outputs simultaneously over time is especially useful for studying a protein or compound’s effect on cellular growth or gene expression. In this…
Scientific Poster
High -Throughput Multiplexed Inflammation Assay Using Primary Cells
High -Throughput Multiplexed Inflammation Assay Using Primary Cells
Learn how we performed a multiplexed, primary human cell-based assay to fluorometrically measure inflammation markers using our SpectraMax microplate readers in this poster.
Brochure
SpectraMax M Series Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
SpectraMax M Series Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
Learn more about the SpectraMax M Series Microplate readers. They contain a wide range of high-performance capabilities ideal for life science research & drug discovery screening…
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. O…


SpectraMax M5e Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Number of Citations*: 18,200
Latest Citations: For a complete list, please click here .
*Source: https://scholar.google.com/
- Dated: Jan 15, 2012Publication Name: European Journal of Pharmacology
Protective effects of baicalein against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells and isolated rat brain mitochondria
Baicalein is one of the major flavonoids obtained from the Scutellaria root. Previous pharmacological studies found that baicalein had neuroprotective effects in animal models of Parkinson's disease. The purpose of this paper was to explore the molecular mechanism of the action of baicalein on PC12 cells and isolated rat brain mitochondria.… View moreBaicalein is one of the major flavonoids obtained from the Scutellaria root. Previous pharmacological studies found that baicalein had neuroprotective effects in animal models of Parkinson's disease. The purpose of this paper was to explore the molecular mechanism of the action of baicalein on PC12 cells and isolated rat brain mitochondria. Firstly, we investigated the effects of baicalein on rotenone-induced toxicity in PC12 cells. The results showed that baicalein suppressed rotenone-induced apoptosis, and inhibited the accumulation of reactive oxidant species, ATP deficiency, mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation, and caspase-3/7 activation in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating that baicalein likely improved mitochondrial function. Furthermore, we used isolated rat brain mitochondria to evaluate the effect of baicalein. Treatment with baicalein prevented rotenone-induced reactive oxidant species production, ATP deficiency and mitochondrial swelling in isolated brain mitochondria. Interestingly, exposure of isolated mitochondria to baicalein promoted mitochondrial active respiration. These results suggest that baicalein may be a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant and exerts neuroprotective effects on rotenone-induced neurotoxicity. This study supports our previous research that baicalein possesses neuroprotective activity in vivo and it is worthy of further study.
Contributors: Xiao-xiu Li, Guo-rong He, Xin Mu Bei Xu, Shuo Tian Xin Yu, Fan-rui Meng, Zhao-hong Xuan, Guan-huaDu
Go to article - Dated: Jun 30, 2011Publication Name: Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
Chronic hyperhomocysteinemia induces oxidative damage in the rat lung
Tissue accumulation of homocysteine occurs in classical homocystinuria, a metabolic disease characterized biochemically by cystathionine β-synthase deficiency. Vascular manifestations such as myocardial infarction, cerebral thrombosis, hepatic steatosis, and pulmonary embolism are common in this disease and poorly understood. In this study, we… View moreTissue accumulation of homocysteine occurs in classical homocystinuria, a metabolic disease characterized biochemically by cystathionine β-synthase deficiency. Vascular manifestations such as myocardial infarction, cerebral thrombosis, hepatic steatosis, and pulmonary embolism are common in this disease and poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of chronic hyperhomocysteinemia on some parameters of oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, protein carbonyl content, 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein fluorescence assay, and total radical-trapping antioxidant potent) and activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) in the rat lung. Reduced glutathione content and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, as well as nitrite levels, were also evaluated. Wistar rats received daily subcutaneous injections of Hcy (0.3–0.6 μmol/g body weight) from the 6th to the 28th days-of-age and the control group received saline. One and 12 h after the last injection, rats were killed and the lungs collected. Hyperhomocysteinemia increased lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage to protein, and disrupted antioxidant defenses (enzymatic and non-enzymatic) in the lung of rats, characterizing a reliable oxidative stress. In contrast, this amino acid did not alter nitrite levels. Our findings showed a consistent profile of oxidative stress in the lung of rats, elicited by homocysteine, which could explain, at least in part, the mechanisms involved in the lung damage that is present in some homocystinuric patients.
Contributors: Aline A. da Cunha, Andréa G. K. Ferreira, Maira J. da Cunha, Carolina D. Pederzolli, Débora L. Becker, Juliana G. Coelho, Carlos S. Dutra-Filho & Angela T. S. Wyse
Go to article - Dated: Feb 02, 2009Publication Name: Translational Research
Impaired antioxidant activity of high-density lipoprotein in chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and increased mortality from cardiovascular disease. CKD results in oxidative stress, inflammation, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) deficiency, which work in concert to promote atherosclerosis. Normal HDL confers protection against atherosclerosis by inhibiting the… View moreChronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and increased mortality from cardiovascular disease. CKD results in oxidative stress, inflammation, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) deficiency, which work in concert to promote atherosclerosis. Normal HDL confers protection against atherosclerosis by inhibiting the oxidation of lipids and lipoproteins and by retrieving surplus cholesterol and phospholipids from lipid-laden cells in the artery wall for disposal in the liver (reverse cholesterol transport).
SpectraMax® M Series Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
Product |
Part Number |
SpectraMax M2 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader |
M2 |
SpectraMax M2E Multi-Mode Microplate Reader |
M2E |
SpectraMax M3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader |
M3 |
SpectraMax M4 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader |
M4 |
SpectraMax M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader |
M5 |
SpectraMax M5E Multi-Mode Microplate Reader |
M5E |
SpectraTest ABS2 Absorbance Validation Plate |
0200-6191 |
SpectraTest FL1 Fluorescence Validation Plate |
0200-5060 |
SpectraTest LM1 Luminescence Validation Plate |
0200-6186 |
SpectraDrop™ Micro-Volume Starter Kit |
0200-6262 |
SpectraDrop™ Micro-Volume HTS Kit |
0200-6267 |
StakMax Microplate Handling Stacker |
StakMax |
Reader Shelf |
9000-0756 |
Related Products & Services of SpectraMax M Series Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
Featured Applications

Absorbance
Learn all about absorbance detection – how it works, how it’s measured, and how it can be used to…

Cell Viability
Cell viability can be assessed by examining parameters such as cell membrane integrity or the…

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

Fluorescence
Learn all about fluorescence detection – what it is, how it works, and the instruments used to…

Fluorescence Polarization (FP)
Fluorescence polarization (FP) is a technique that is widely used to monitor binding events in…

Fluorescent Protein Detection
Fluorescent proteins have become enormously popular as tools for monitoring biological events in…

Luminescence
Learn about luminescence detection – what it is, how it works, and the advantages of luminescence…

SNP Genotyping
Genotyping is a process for analyzing genetic differences among individuals by examining their DNA…

TRF, TR-FRET & HTRF
Learn all about time-resolved fluorescence – TRF and TR-FRET including HTRF assays. We’ll provide…
Customer Breakthrough


SUCCESS STORY
American Heritage School uses the SpectraMax M5e reader to conduct scientific research
How can we help advance your next big discovery?
Our highly-qualified teams are on the frontlines with our customers, conducting remote or on-site product demonstrations, webinars, and more to help you solve your tough research challenges. How can we help you today?
How can we help advance your next big discovery?
Our highly-qualified teams are on the frontlines with our customers, conducting remote or on-site product demonstrations, webinars, and more to help you solve your tough research challenges. How can we help you today?