Icon detection modes

Which assays can be measured by an absorbance microplate reader?

Absorbance is one of the most popular detection modes for life science applications. Accordingly, there is a multitude of kits and reagents available on the market for the most different application and assay types that an absorbance microplate reader can cover both as single- or multi-mode instrument. Several colorimetric assays have been adapted or directly developed for use in a microplate reader.

One of the most common applications is DNA/RNA quantification at 260 nm. It is also possible to quantify a specific protein in solution, typically by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Several colorimetric methods are available to measure the whole protein content of a sample. In our blog article “Protein measurement: find a suitable method” you will find detailed descriptions of Bradford, BCA and other methods and tips to help you choose.

Another application absorbance microplate reader can measure is cell growth in bacteria and yeast by measuring the “optical density at 600 nm” (OD600) or cell viability by colorimetric assays.