THERMOstar
Microplate incubator and orbital shaker
BMG LABTECH’s innovative absorbance microplate reader has the flexibility to perform assays quickly and easily in both microplates or via the built-in cuvette port. This spectrometer-based absorbance microplate reader captures a full UV/visible spectrum in less than 1 sec/well. Its speed, simple push button operation, and capacity to store individual assay protocols make the SPECTROstar® Nano the leading microplate reader for absorbance measurements.

The SPECTROstar Nano is equipped with BMG LABTECH’s ultra-fast UV/vis spectrometer, which allows users to measure full-spectrum absorbance (220 – 1000 nm) in less than 1 second per well. It is the ideal instrument to read all absorbance assays in a microplate or cuvette – with many common assay protocols predefined and available at the click of the mouse.
The SPECTROstar Nano is for research use only.

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Explore the intricacies of cancer metabolism, the Warburg effect, and how microplate readers aid in understanding these critical processes in cancer cells.
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BMG LABTECH microplate readers are built to be robust and reliable. No calibration of optical components is required. Recommended maintenance includes plate carrier offset adjustments, cleaning optical components, software/firmware updates, and routine performance checks.
BMG LABTECH offers flexible maintenance plans to ensure long-term performance. Costs depend on the chosen plan. Contact us using the service contract form.
Yes, comprehensive technical support and training services are available to assist users in maximizing the instrument’s capabilities. Contact us to find out more.
You can find detailed product information, specifications, and available configurations on the SPECTROstar Nano product page. For purchase options, quotes, or personalized recommendations, please send a sales request directly.
Reader manuals are included with every instrument. If you no longer have your manual, please use our manual request form to obtain a copy.
The software is included with every reader and can be installed on as many computers as needed. You can find it on a USB stick (or CD for older models) included with the manual. If you’ve misplaced the USB stick or CD, we can provide a download link. Contact our software support.
Yes. SPECTROstar Nano software from version V2.10 R7 is fully compatible with Windows 11. To ensure smooth operation on Windows 11, or if you need help with installation or have compatibility questions, please contact our software support.
Yes, we provide comprehensive How-To Notes that explain common detection parameters, how they influence your results, and practical tips for optimizing measurements. You can find these resources on our How-To notes page.
Delivery times depend on model availability, configuration and your location. For accurate lead times, please send a general request on the contact page directly.
Help other scientists choose the right instrument for their assay needs.
UV/vis absorbance spectra
Endpoint and kinetic
Spectral scanning (absorbance)
Well scanning
6 to 1536-well plates, user-definable
LVis Plate with 16 low-volume microspots (2 μL)
Robot compatible
High energy xenon flash lamp
CCD Spectrometer
UV/vis absorbance spectrometer
Full spectra or 8 distinct wavelengths in < 1 sec/well
220 - 1000 nm; wavelength precision: ≤ 0.5 nm
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
Full spectrum from 220 to 1000 nm in less than 1 sec/well
Linear, orbital, and double-orbital with user-definable time and speed
System to inject an atmosphere or to pull a vacuum into the reader
+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
Multi-user Reader Control and MARS Data Analysis Software included
FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant
Width: 36 cm, depth: 50 cm, height: 16 cm; weight: 10 kg
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
Microplate incubator and shaker