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SpectraMax Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader

Affordable multi-mode microplate reader with best-in-class data analysis software
Perform your favorite applications including ELISA, DNA and protein quantitation, cell viability, gene expression with a user-friendly reader
The SpectraMax® Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader offers a budget friendly solution that gives you exactly what you need when you need it. With three modes of detection for UV-Vis absorbance, fluorescence and luminescence, the SpectraMax Mini reader is user upgradeable - from 2 to 3 modes, providing researchers with a versatile instrument that does not compromise on sensitivity or performance. Included SoftMax® Pro Software enables rapid data generation and analysis helping you achieve more in less time.
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Easy-to-use
Save time on training, data generation, and data analysis, for faster results.
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Flexible
Perform your favorite applications with a user-friendly reader that accommodates plate types from six to 384-well formats; up to three modes of detection measuring absorbance with NFC-tagged filters for fluorescence, luminescence, or both.
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Affordable
Gain access to over thirty years of experience and technology in a compact, multi-mode reader that was built for researchers with sensitive budgets.

Achieve more with the SpectraMax Mini
Features
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Industry-leading software
Enjoy an extensive library of protocols, advanced reader control, and easy data management and analysis with our best-in-class Softmax Pro Software.
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Expanded wavelength range
Xenon flash lamps allow you to excite samples in the UV range where halogen does not.
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Approachable design
Effortless functionality provides users with everything they need to run their most crucial applications quickly and without complications.
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AutoPMT technology
Our AutoPMT feature allows a wide range of concentrations to be prepared and read on one plate, avoiding saturation (or the loss of signal) and saving you time and money.
Latest Resources
Applications of SpectraMax Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
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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.
Cell Health
Cell viability refers to the number of healthy cells in a population and can be evaluated using assays that measure enzyme activity, cell membrane integrity, ATP production, and other indicators. These methods can employ luminescent, fluorescent, or colorimetric readouts as indicators of general cell viability or even specific cellular pathways. Cytotoxicity and cell viability assays are often used to assess a drug or other treatment’s effect, and are valuable tools in the search for new therapeutics, as well as advancing our understanding of how normal cells function.
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Cellular Signaling
Cellular signaling allows cells to respond to their environment as well as to communicate with other cells. Proteins located on the cell surface can receive signals from the surroundings and transmit information into the cell via a series of protein interactions and biochemical reactions that comprise a signaling pathway. Multicellular organisms rely upon an extensive array of signaling pathways to coordinate the proper growth, regulation, and functioning of cells and tissues. If signaling between or within cells is dysregulated, inappropriate cellular responses may lead to cancer and other diseases.
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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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.
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.
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Microbiology and Contaminant
Microbes, including bacteria, have been estimated to make up about 15 percent of the earth’s biomass, and microbes in the human body outnumber human cells by 10 to 1. These microorganisms provide great benefit to us and are also vital to many fields of research from medicine to alternative energy production. On the other hand, monitoring for microbes and the toxic substances they produce is necessary to ensure the safety of pharmaceutical products. Scientists whose research relies on mammalian cells must carefully monitor these cultures for unwanted microbial contaminants to ensure that their experimental results are reliable.
Nucleic Acid (DNA/RNA) Quantitation and Analysis
Nucleic acids are large biomolecules common to all known life forms. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) consists of a double strand of pairs of nucleotides, while ribonucleic acid (RNA) is typically a single strand. In DNA, the nucleotides are adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine, while RNA contains uracil instead of thymine. DNA makes up the genetic material of all organisms, encoding the information cells need to synthesize proteins.
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Protein Detection, Quantitation and Analysis
Protein detection, quantitation, and analysis are central to the investigation of a wide variety of biological processes. Measuring the concentration of protein is necessary to processes ranging from protein purification and labeling to sample preparation for electrophoresis. Protein can be quantitated directly via absorbance at 280 nm, or indirectly using colorimetric (BCA, Bradford, etc.) or fluorometric methods offering advantages such as greater sensitivity. To identify and measure a specific protein within a complex sample, for example, serum or cell lysate, an ELISA may be used.
Specifications & Options of SpectraMax Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Resources of SpectraMax Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Flyer
SpectraMax Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
SpectraMax Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Perform your favorite applications including ELISA, DNA and protein quantitation, cell viability, gene expression with a user-friendly reader.
Brochure
SpectraMax Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
SpectraMax Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
The SpectraMax® Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader offers a budget-friendly solution that gives you exactly what you need when you need it.
Application Note
Low-volume nucleic acid quantitation on the SpectraMax Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Low-volume nucleic acid quantitation on the SpectraMax Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Nucleic acid quantitation is an essential assay that is part of many workflows in genetics, molecular, and cellular biology. Various methods have been developed to quantitate nucleic…
Application Note
Measure dual-luciferase reporter gene activity with the SpectraMax Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Measure dual-luciferase reporter gene activity with the SpectraMax Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Firefly luciferase is a widely used reporter to study gene regulation and function. It is a very sensitive reporter due to the lack of any endogenous luciferase activity in mammalian…
Related Products & Services of SpectraMax Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Featured Applications

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

Cell Health
Cell viability refers to the number of healthy cells in a population and can be evaluated using…

Cellular Signaling
Cellular signaling allows cells to respond to their environment as well as to communicate with…

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…

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

Microbiology and Contaminant
Microbes, including bacteria, have been estimated to make up about 15 percent of the earth’s…

Nucleic Acid (DNA/RNA) Quantitation and Analysis
Nucleic acids are large biomolecules common to all known life forms. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)…

Protein Detection, Quantitation and Analysis
Protein detection, quantitation, and analysis are central to the investigation of a wide variety of…
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?
I’d like to…
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?
I’d like to…