Microplate reader software

With Voyager, BMG LABTECH´s new microplate reader control interface, data acquisition is more intuitive than ever. Available for CLARIOstar Plus and VANTAstar, Voyager transforms the way users design protocols by removing complexity while maximising flexibility.

Setting up a detection protocol has never been quicker and easier with Voyager’s streamlined drag and drop system. This comprehensive platform allows full flexibility from straight-forward measurements to more demanding assays. As part of our multi-user software concept, Voyager can be installed on as many computers as the user requires, without the need to purchase additional licenses.

Drag and drop your detection protocol

Voyager’s intuitive design allows to quickly identify and adapt all the existing components of a measurement protocol. The addition of further action elements, such as a additional detection modes, incubation or an injection step can be implemented without effort. Order or duration of the individual steps can be adjusted at any time. Multi-chromatic measurements in the same or with different detection modes can be easily defined in the same protocol without the need for complex, multi-stage setups.

Predefined protocols for a quick start

Preset detection protocols enable a quick and easy start as they already provide predefined detection settings for specific assays. Voyager comes with more than 30 pre-installed assay-dedicated detection protocols. Just select your protocol and you are good to go! Existing protocols can be further modified to fit similar assays, or new protocols can be created from scratch, depending on your needs. Predefined protocols include: DNA/RNA concentration, protein concentration (Lowry, Bradford, BCA), ELISAs, cell growth, NADH/NAD+ conversion, DLR^TM, ADP-Glo^®, LanthaScreen^®, HTRF^® cAMP and IP-One, LANCE^®, AlphaScreen^®, AlphaLISA^®, calcium assays (Fura-2), GFP, ORAC, OD₆₀₀ excitation and emission scans and AMC enzyme kinetics. The well-established fluorophore toolbox simplifies the identification of optimal filter settings and thus supports fast and effective protocol setup, even from scratch.

Full flexibility for complex tasks

Build your own bespoke detection workflows. Voyager supports endpoint and kinetic detection, multi-chromatics also using different detection modes, spectral scanning and multiple well scanning modes. In addition, reagent dispensing, gas (O₂ and CO₂), temperature and shaking are controlled by the interface. These actions can be included at any time in a workflow, significantly increasing flexibility.

Never lose track

In the current state window Voyager allows you to watch your results unfold in real time. Monitor the generated results in real time in your preferred format and take action at any time if necessary. For multiplexing assays, simply switch back and forth between the channels. For kinetic assays, you can choose between monitoring kinetic curves that build up over time or the single values of each measurement loop.

Explore your data for informed decisions

There are various ways to explore your data in MARS. The microplate view with numerical, graphical and heat map data representation capabilities allows for a quick overview of the data. Additionally, signal curves, bar charts, scatter-, box- or violin plots allow for graphical representation and first inferential analyses. The table view allows to categorize and sort the data but also to view, print and export it in its preferred format.

Determine sample concentrations with ease

Whether interpolating a standard curve to get unknown sample concentrations or modelling a biological system, MARS offers various fit and interpolation models including polynomial, 4P- / 5P or user-defined fit models. Curve interpolation and fitting is simplified by MARS’ unique curve fit wizard.

Automate your analysis workflows 

To simplify data reduction after measurement, complex and assay-specific analyses and calculations can be created and saved in MARS as calculation templates. Templates can be linked to specific detection protocols, enabling data generation and analysis with just two mouse clicks. Templates can be exported to be shared with other MARS users and guarantee analysis and result conformity.

Well mapping to check for sample homogeneity

Insoluble particles like cells or aggregates typically do not evenly distribute across the well. Matrix scanning, a key feature on BMG LABTECH readers, scans a whole well creating a matrix with up to 900 points/well resolution. In MARS, the different data points can be analysed separately or as clusters. Data can also be displayed as a 3D well map. This feature can also be used to view kinetic absorbance data three dimensionally.

Enzymatic analysis made easy 

MARS can instantly analyse enzyme activity data to determine enzymatic constants such as K_m and V_max by fitting to various models like Michaelis-Menten, Lineweaver-Burk, Eadie-Hofstee, Hanes-Woolf and Scatchard plot. This software feature, when used in conjunction with BMG LABTECH's high speed UV/vis spectrometer, will revolutionize microplate based enzyme kinetics.

Advanced fittings for binding assays 

Binding kinetics as equilibrium or real-time interaction assays require advanced curve fitting capabilities and models. MARS offers various fit models including models for association, dissociation and competitive inhibition assays that are often used for compound screening of even low-affinity compounds. 

Parallel-line and dose-response curve analysis

Compare different drugs based on their EC₅₀ / EC_X values or estimate their relative potency using MARS’ ‘Parallel-line Analysis’ and ‘Standard Curve Calculation’ feature. The ‘Parallel-line Analysis’ feature offers global fitting followed by ANOVA-like analysis and equivalence testing (suggested by the US Pharmacopeia) to test for bioequivalence. MARS offers different fit models including linear, 4P- and 5P-models. Even more fit models are available with MARS’ ‘Standard Curve Calculation’ feature.