NEPHELOstar - The Unique Laser-Based Microplate Nephelometer

The NEPHELOstar microplate nephelometer detects particles in liquid samples by measuring forward scattered light when a laser beam is directed through the solution. This scattered light is detected at angles of up to 80 degrees, making it approximately thirty times more sensitive than traditional transmission readers that measure the reduction in direct light passing through a sample well.

Flexibility and performance of the NEPHELOstar nephelometer allow more applications to be adaped to microplate-based laser nephelometry than ever before:

• Automated drug solubility screening
• Microbial growth kinetics monitoring
• Precipitation and polymerization monitoring

For BMG LABTECH application notes that can be performed on the NEPHELOstar nephelometer, please click here.

The intensity and beam diameter of the laser light can be adjusted in the easy to use Software, and this allows measurement of light scatter in colored or turbid solutions. In addition, the flexible beam diameter allows measurement in 24, 48, 96 and 384-well microplate format.

These features, along with BMG LABTECH´s Digital Photon Integration (DPI) technology and a detection angle of 80°, ensure that the NEPHELOstar nephelometer is approximately thirty times more sensitive than conventional transmission readers.

Temperature-regulated heating plates above and below the entire plate movement area provide uniform incubation up to 38°C.

Developed to meet high-throughput demands, this microplate-based nephelometer is faster than conventional solubility detection methods with the highest sensitivity and flexibility.

Self-monitoring laser diode
The light source is a red laser with a wavelength range of 635 nm. A laser diode has the advantage of higher stability than other light sources which gives better precision. The laser intensity can be adjusted via the software.

Variable laser beam width
An exclusive feature of the NEPHELOstar: the ability to adjust laser beam width. With a narrow beam width, liquid surface effects (meniscus effects) are minimized.

Reads 384-well plate formats
The NEPHELOstar is the only microplate nephelometer with the ability to read 384-well plates with excellent sensitivity. Use less sample and produce more data per plate.

Full-cone angle detection system
With the most advanced detection system, the NEPHELOstar nephelometer can integrate the largest scattering angle, up to 80°.

Stacker and Robot Compatibility
The NEPHELOstar can be incorporated into a wide array of robotic systems via ActiveX or DDE interface. For rapid mid-throughput plate handling, BMG LABTECH offers the 50 plate Stacker with an integrated barcode reader.

MARS Software Package
The NEPHELOstar comes with BMG LABTECH's established Reader Control Software and comprehensive Data Analysis Software, MARS. The highly intuitive software provides limitless possibilities for test set up where it is needed, but also offers a "Quick-Start" mode for running routine analysis with just 3 mouse clicks. In MARS, a Wizard guides the user through the entire data analysing process. Additionally, a Template Manager can be used for building complex data processing protocols. Improved robotic integration capabilities complete this software package.

In order to run BMG LABTECH microplate readers, you also need a personal computer with Windows^TM operating system (7/Vista/Win 2000/XP). Easy export to MS Excel^TM 2007/2003/2000/XP is possible.