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ELISA Plate Reader

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays or ELISAs are a popular tool to detect or measure biological molecules in the life sciences. Explore in detail how ELISA microplate readers can advance your research.

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The spectrometer-based ELISA readers from BMG LABTECH optimize and miniaturize your analyses.

Features of our ELISA plate reader:


  • More than just an ELISA reader – Analyze ELISAs, enzyme kinetics, microbial growth and even cell testing with a single device.
  • Rapid acquisition of the absorption spectrum with the ultra-fast UV/Vis spectrometer determines the optimal detection wavelength for your tests.
  • Use different chromophores: The spectrometer reads them all, even in the UV range.
  • Quantify proteins, DNA and RNA in 2 µl using the A280 and A260.
  • Miniaturize your assay to 384-well plates and save valuable chemicals and samples.
  • Use luminescent or fluorescent substrates and transform our multimode readers into advanced ELISA readers with higher sensitivity and higher dynamic range.
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SPECTROstar Nano

SPECTROstar Nano

Absorbance plate reader with cuvette port

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Features Included

  • Detection Modes
  • Measurement Modes
  • Microplate Formats
  • Microplate Carrier
  • Light Sources
  • Detectors
  • Wavelength Selection
  • Spectral Range
  • Sensitivity
  • Read Times
SPECTROstar Omega

SPECTROstar Omega

Absorbance plate reader with ultrafast UV/vis spectrometer

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Features Included

  • Detection Modes
  • Measurement Modes
  • Microplate Formats
  • Microplate Carrier
  • Light Sources
  • Detectors
  • Wavelength Selection
  • Spectral Range
  • Sensitivity
  • Read Times
VANTAstar

VANTAstar

Flexible microplate reader with simplified workflows

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Features Included

  • Detection Modes
  • Measurement Modes
  • Microplate Formats
  • Microplate Carrier
  • Light Sources
  • Detectors
  • Wavelength Selection
  • Spectral Range
  • Sensitivity
  • Read Times
CLARIOstar Plus

CLARIOstar Plus

Most flexible Plate Reader for Assay Development

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Features Included

  • Detection Modes
  • Measurement Modes
  • Microplate Formats
  • Microplate Carrier
  • Light Sources
  • Detectors
  • Wavelength Selection
  • Spectral Range
  • Sensitivity
  • Read Times

Technical Specifications

SPECTROstar Nano SPECTROstar Nano
Detection modes

UV/vis absorbance spectra

Measurement modes

Endpoint and kinetic
Spectral scanning (absorbance)
Well scanning

Microplate formats

6 to 1536-well plates, user-definable
LVis Plate with 16 low-volume microspots (2 μL)

Microplate carrier

Robot compatible

Light sources

High energy xenon flash lamp

Detectors

CCD Spectrometer

Wavelength selection

UV/vis absorbance spectrometer
Full spectra or 8 distinct wavelengths in < 1 sec/well

Spectral range

220 - 1000 nm; wavelength precision: ≤ 0.5 nm

Sensitivity

Selectable spectral resolution: 1, 2, 5, and 10 nm
OD range: 0 to 4 OD; photometric resolution: 0.001 OD
Accuracy: < 1% at 2 OD
Precision: < 0.5% at 1 OD and < 0.8% at 2 OD
Linearity: ≤ 0.8% at 2.0 OD

Read times

Full spectrum from 220 to 1000 nm in less than 1 sec/well

Shaking

Linear, orbital, and double-orbital with user-definable time and speed

Purge gas vent

System to inject an atmosphere or to pull a vacuum into the reader

Incubation

+3 °C above ambient up to 45 °C

The upper heating plate of the incubation chamber operates at 0.5 °C more than the lower plate. This prevents condensation build-up on the lid or sealer

Software

Multi-user Reader Control and MARS Data Analysis Software included
FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant

Dimensions

Width: 36 cm, depth: 50 cm, height: 16 cm; weight: 10 kg

Power requirements
  • External Power Supply
  • Input Voltage: 100 or 115 or 230 V,  50/60 Hz, auto ranging
  • Output Voltage: 24V DC / 2.5A
Power consumption
  • Standby 0 W (<0,5W)
  • Idle Mode 5 W
  • Measuring 15 W   
  • Maximum 60 W
Optional Accessories
LVis plate

Sample capacity: sixteen separate microdrop wells for 2 µL samples; one standard cuvette position for up to 1 mL samples

Quality control internal standards (optional): four NIST traceable optical density filters (approximate values of 0.1, 0.3, 0.6 and 1.0 OD); one holmium oxide filter for wavelength accuracy

Dimensions: conforms to SBS standards for microplates

THERMOstar

Microplate incubator and shaker

*
The SPECTROstar Nano is for research use only.

Testimonials

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Niccola Funel, Postdoctural Research, University of Pisa, Italy

 

 

 

“I obtained very good results. It is a very nice instrument. It is very easy to use and we can have three different modalities of reading. The software is very complete.”

 

 

 

“We are using FSX Pherastar for throughput ELISA crucial in our antibody development pipeline. CV is very low and time of reading is superior to the competitors.”

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Tomasz Uchański, Team Lead Antibody Development Technologies, Roche, Germany

Application Notes

See how scientists and researchers are using BMG Labtech’s instruments for ELISA-based experiments.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is an ELISA plate reader?

    An ELISA plate reader is a device used to measure ELISA assays in microplates. Outputs can be colorimetric, fluorescent, or luminescent. The most common format is colorimetric (absorbance), so the term "ELISA plate reader" often refers specifically to an absorbance microplate reader.

  • What detection methods does ELISA support?

    Typically, absorbance as most ELISA assays are colorimetric (absorbance-based). The term "ELISA plate reader" commonly refers to an absorbance microplate reader. Other less common methods are fluorescence intensity and luminescence.

  • Which well plate formats are compatible with ELISA plate readers?

    96-well microplates are the most widely used format for ELISA assays. 384-well plates enable assay miniaturization for higher throughput which saves on valuable reagents and samples.

  • How do I choose the right wavelength for ELISA?

    It depends on assay specifications. For colorimetric assays, common wavelengths are 405–450 nm. Fluorescence requires excitation/emission wavelengths. Check your kit’s protocol.

  • What types of assays can be run on an ELISA plate reader?

    ELISA plate readers perform frequently encountered ELISA assays such as sandwich ELISAs or direct, indirect and competitive ELISAs. They quantify diverse biological molecules including a multitude of proteins like antibodies, hormones or glycoproteins.

  • What software features should I look for an ELISA plate reader?

    Curve fitting, baseline correction, batch processing, data export (CSV/Excel), blank subtraction, plate layout templates, and instrument calibration utilities.

  • What are the key features of the BMG LABTECH ELISA microplate reader?

    Key features include OD stability, flexibility with various plate formats, advanced optical detection systems, user-friendly interface, and robust data analysis capabilities to ensure accurate and reliable results.

  • Are there any specific maintenance requirements for the BMG LABTECH ELISA microplate reader?

    BMG LABTECH ELISA microplate readers are built to be robust and reliable. No calibration of optical components or light source is required. Recommended maintenance includes plate carrier offset adjustments, cleaning optical components, software/firmware updates, and routine performance checks.

  • What should be considered when choosing an ELISA microplate reader?

    One important decision when choosing an ELISA microplate reader is which detection features to include and whether a multi-mode reader is needed for complete flexibility. An absorbance reader will cover many ELISA assays, but luminescence or fluorescent readouts may also be required.

  • How does the BMG LABTECH software simplify ELISA data analysis?

    BMG LABTECH software has predefined quick run assay-specific protocols built in for most ELISA assays which greatly simplify data analysis. If necessary, more complex or user-specific ELISA assays are readily programmable.
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