9

2020

How to Buy
th

Microplate Readers EDITION

A guide to help you choose the best

microplate reader for your applications
2020 How to Buy Microplate Readers
How to Buy Microplate Readers
This guide provides
important information to
help you choose the best
microplate reader for your
lab’s needs.
Learn about the
different types of readers/
detectors; read about
modes, applications,
technologies and other
important considerations;
and pick up top tips from
industry experts.
Contents
1. Introduction to microplate readers
2. Consider your application needs
2.1 Protein quantification
2.2 ELISAs
2.3 Nucleic acid quantification
2.4 Gene expression
2.5 Protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions
2.6 Enzyme kinetics
2.7 Fluorescence-based assays
2.8 Pharmacology assays
2.9 Cell-based assays
2.10 High-content screening
2.11 AlphaScreen
2.12 Homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF)
2.13 Compliance software
3. Top tips from the experts
4. Summary & acknowledgments
5. Editor’s picks
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2020 How to Buy Microplate Readers
1. Introduction to microplate readers
Microplate readers are used to detect
biological, chemical or physical events in
microtiter plates via the measurement of light.
Microplate readers/detectors are the key
workhorses in many laboratories and are
used extensively for many applications across
a wide range of disciplines including life
sciences, drug discovery, bioassay validation,
quality control, drug safety, toxicity testing,
clinical diagnostics and biopharmaceutical/
pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
Although a well-established product
category, microplate readers continue to evolve
towards greater functionality, flexibility, speed
and throughput. Currently, there are a wide
variety of microplate readers available, offering
different capabilities and functionalities.
Microplate readers differ by the type of
read mode and what they allow the user to
measure. The most common read modes are
absorbance, fluorescence and luminescence.
Additional read modes allow you to measure
fluorescence resonance energy transfer
(FRET), time-resolved fluorescence (TRF),
fluorescence polarization, bioluminescence
resonance energy transfer (BRET), AlphaScreen
and nephelometry, as well to perform imaging
assays such as fluorescence, brightfield, and
digital phase-contrast.
Microplate readers also differ by detector
technology. Light detection can be
performed using filters, monochromators
or spectrophotometry. Monochromator-
based technology has the most flexibility in
wavelength detection, so is most suitable for
labs with variable detection requirements.
Newer spectrometer-based readers can
capture an entire absorbance spectrum of
wavelengths, offering even more flexibility
in detection. Filters are for fixed wavelength
detection but offer greater sensitivity, so
are more appropriate for labs with limited
detection needs. Hybrid systems combining
these technologies are also available. In
addition, lasers rather than flash lamps are
better for time-resolved fluorescence and
AlphaScreen detection.
TOP TIP
When considering the number
of read modes required,
multi-mode readers provide
greater flexibility, but if
your current and future
requirements are limited, it
may be more cost-effective to
purchase a reader dedicated
to your main application.
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2020 How to Buy Microplate Readers
Figure 1. A schematic of the linear variable filter (LVF) Monochromator
technology in the CLARIOstar Plus microplate reader by BMG LABTECH.
The linear variable filters have variable coatings along their lengths
that can reject or pass certain wavelengths of light, providing
greater sensitivity.
Microplate readers can be purchased
as either single-mode or multi-mode; the
latter combines several read modes in one
instrument. Multi-mode microplate readers
enable researchers to perform multiple assay
types in one system. Multi-mode readers are
typically more expensive than single-mode
readers but purchasing one multi-mode reader
is likely to be more cost-effective than buying
several dedicated machines. In addition, they
do not require much more bench space than
a single reader and are often modular and
upgradable, enabling a laboratory to purchase
only what they need at the time but allowing
for future additions.
For example, the CLARIOstar® Plus
microplate reader by BMG LABTECH is a
multi-mode reader equipped with a patented
dual monochromator technology, named
LVF (linear variable filter) Monochromator™
technology (see figure 1), offering fluorescence
and luminescence measurements. Its linear
variable filters have variable coatings along
Figure 2. The SpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
by Molecular Devices.
their lengths that can reject or pass certain
wavelengths of light. With no stray light
and fewer background signals, the LVF
Monochromator technology provides a
higher-sensitivity detection.
When measuring luminescence assays, it is
important to ensure that the dynamic range
offered by the microplate reader suffices the
variety of experiments that will be planned in
the future. The CLARIOstar Plus , for example,
features Enhanced Dynamic Range technology,
enabling detection over an 8-decade dynamic
range (from femto- to micro-molar) in just one
measurement without manual intervention,
providing you with flexibility in experiments
and ensuring no signal goes undetected. Learn
more about the features of the CLARIOstar
Plus in this SelectScience interview.
Modular systems, such as the SpectraMax
i3x Multi-Mode Microplate Reader by
Molecular Devices (figure 2), provide a good
option for labs that will be expanding research
areas and applications in the future. The
SpectraMax i3x reader is designed to measure
absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence,
with additional user-upgradable modules
available for cell imaging, western blot
detection, AlphaScreen, time-resolved
fluorescence, HTRF, fast kinetics with
injectors, and
much more.
As researchers strive to develop assays
with greater physiological relevance, there is a
trend towards systems that are optimized for
live-cell assays in addition to standard
applications. For example, the Tecan Spark®
Cyto multi-mode microplate reader (figure
3) combines live-cell imaging with a range
of detection technologies. Available in four
Figure 3. The Spark® Cyto multi-mode microplate reader
by Tecan combines live-cell imaging and real-time cytometry
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2020 How to Buy Microplate Readers
configurations of detection modalities, all
models are equipped with fluorescence,
brightfield and digital phase-contrast
imaging capabilities for real-time live-cell
imaging cytometry.
Recently introduced, the Cytation™ 7 Cell
Imaging Multi-Mode Reader from BioTek
Instruments, Inc., a part of Agilent, combines
automated digital upright and inverted
widefield microscopy with conventional
multi-mode microplate reading. The system
is suitable for a number of applications
including whole organism imaging to
intracellular analysis.
The SpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode
reader from Molecular Devices has the
SpectraMax MiniMax™ 300 Imaging
Cytometer option, which enables quick
imaging and analysis of cells, providing a
more detailed view of phenotypic changes
that accompany cytotoxicity, cell
proliferation, and protein expression.
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2020 How to Buy Microplate Readers

2. Consider your application needs

When choosing a microplate reader/detector,
the first, and perhaps the most important,
consideration is the application requirement.
Microplate readers are used across
diverse scientific disciplines for varying
applications. The most common methods
are briefly introduced below. Downloadable
compendiums of application notes covering
Figure 4. This application note by BMG LABTECH compares four methods
a wide range of life sciences applications are for protein quantification using the CLARIOstar: A280, Bradford, BCA and
available from several manufacturers, such as Lowry. Download the report here.

these from BMG LABTECH and Tecan.

Another application note, by Molecular
Common Applications Devices, describes a streamlined approach
to BCA-based protein quantitation on the
2.1 Protein quantification SpectraMax® iD5 Multi-Mode Microplate
Reader (figure 5).
Protein quantification is a common
application where microplate readers
are employed.
Protein concentration is measured
using chromogenic assays by determining
absorbance at 280 nm. Microplate readers
provide a way to scale up the number of
samples processed in protein quantification,
while also enabling triplicates in the same
experimental conditions.
This application note describes the
predefined protocols of the CLARIOstar
Figure 5: BSA standard curves. Standard curves were plotted using the
that can be used for protein quantification
quadratic curve fit in Molecular Devices’ SoftMax Pro Software for the
experiments (figure 4). BCA (green) and BCA Rapid Gold (blue) assays.

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2020 How to Buy Microplate Readers
2.2 Enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assays (ELISAs)
ELISA is an immunodetection assay that
uses labeled secondary antibodies to detect
specific antigens.
The secondary antibody conjugate, such as
horseradish peroxidase (HRP), is detected via
an enzyme-mediated chromogenic change.
ELISAs are used extensively in
“
the life sciences, preclinical
research and clinical
diagnostics. The majority Using BRET, it is
of plate readers are able
to read ELISAs. There is now possible
a trend towards faster
performance of these to measure
assays, for example, Abcam’s
SimpleStep technology can
be used with the BMG
protein-ligand or
LABTECH SPECTROstar®
Nano to perform a highly
sensitive ELISAs in
90-minutes, as described
in this application note.
protein-protein
interactions in a
microwell format
2.3 Nucleic acid
quantification
DNA and RNA absorb light within the UV
range. Absorbance of a sample at 260 nm
can be used to calculate the concentration of
double-stranded DNA, single-stranded DNA or
single-stranded RNA.
Protein contamination, common in DNA
and RNA preparations, can be determined
using the 260/280 nm absorbance ratio.
Plate readers with UV bandwidth detection
capabilities are suitable for this detection.
In recent times, with an increased interest
in sample conservation and high-throughput
analyses, microplate readers are more
preferred over the traditional cuvette-based
measurements. This method highlights a
high-throughput approach to fluorescent
nucleic acid quantification for next-generation
sequencing applications.
2.4 Gene expression
Reporter genes, such as luciferase or GFP,
can also be assessed in microplate readers,
enabling in vitro and in vivo determination of
gene expression for studies using markers of
genetic alteration.
Any reader with appropriate wavelength
detectors can be used for this detection.
This application note demonstrates how
the popular dual-luciferase reporter assay,
widely used to study gene transcription
and regulation, can be performed on the
CLARIOstar and the
PHERAstar FS microplate
reader, also from
BMG LABTECH.
2.5 Protein-protein
and protein-ligand
interactions
Using BRET, it is now
possible to measure
“ protein-ligand or protein-
protein interactions in a
microwell format.
The first use of BRET for
monitoring ligand binding
to GPCRs in live cells is
outlined in this useful
application note. The
CLARIOstar enabled calculation of IC50 and
KD values from saturation and competition
binding assays.
Another example demonstrates how
CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing was used to
endogenously express nanoBRET donor
proteins, enabling measurements of
protein interactions and trafficking. This
SelectScience application eBook provides
an overview of robust and reproducible
protein interaction assays that can be
performed on the BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES
TriStar and Mithras microplate readers,
including NanoBRET, AlphaScreen™, calcium
mobilization and Transcreener®.
2.6 Enzyme kinetics
Measurement of enzyme activity is a common
assay in life sciences and pre-clinical
research.
The time-resolved enzyme-dependent
accumulation of a marker or product can
be used to determine enzyme kinetics. A
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2020 How to Buy Microplate Readers
majority of plate readers have this capability.
Optimizing experiments for measurement
of enzyme activity studies can be time
consuming. Learn how the enhanced dynamic
range of the CLARIOstar Plus can simplify this
process, in this application note.
2.7 Fluorescence-based assays
Fluorescent markers such as EGFP, YFP,
mCherry and mTomato or fluorescent
biosensors can be used to measure a variety
of real-time cell-based activities, including,
intracellular transport, protein signaling,
receptor desensitization, migration, division,
apoptosis, metabolism, differentiation,
chemotaxis, transcription and translation.
In an exclusive interview with SelectScience,
the founder of Montana Molecular, Anne Marie
Quinn, shares how her team measures, in
real time, multiple GPCR signaling pathways
inside a living cell, using the CLARIOstar
(figure 6).
2.8 Pharmacology assays
Fluorescent or luminescent markers are also
used in pharmacological and drug discovery
assays. These are used to investigate ligand
binding and protein interactions.
In this SelectScience video, Dr. Kevin Pfleger,
Associate Professor, University of Western
Australia, describes how he uses nanoBRET
technology along with the CLARIOstar and
PHERAstar FSX to develop high-throughput
screening assays for developing GPCR-
targeted drugs (figure 7). Learn more about
the method in this application note.
Figure 6. HEK293T cells carrying a green cell stress sensor and a
constitutively expressed nuclear red fluorescent protein detected using
the CLARIOstar microplate reader. Image courtesy of Montana Molecular.
Read the full SelectScience article titled, ‘Fluorescent Biosensors Reveal
the Inner Workings of Living Cells’ here.
Figure 7. Dr. Kevin Pfleger, Associate Professor, University of Western
Australia, discusses nanoBRET assay development using the CLARIOstar
microplate reader.
2.9 Cell-based assays
Cell density and counting
Bacterial cell counting can be determined by
optical density at 600 nm, which indicates
the growth phase for harvesting cells. Many
biological experiments require monitoring cell
growth over long periods of time, which can
require using your microplate reader for an
extended period of time. This application
note, from Molecular Devices, describes a
method to monitor bacterial cell growth using
a discontinuous kinetic reading.
Using the SpectraMax® iD3 Multi-Mode
Microplate Reader and SoftMax® Pro
Software, users can link data points
separated by large time gaps. To determine
confluence of basic cell culture, many
modern microplate readers are equipped with
a ‘confluence count’ setting. The CLARIOstar
Plus is equipped with an advanced cell layer
scanning capability. This enables up to 900
points to be measured in each well, a feature
perfect for unevenly distributed cells (figure
8).
Figure 8. The matrix scanning feature of the CLARIOstar Plus microplate
reader by BMG LABTECH performs a 30 x 30 matrix scan with a
resolution of 900 points/well.
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2020 How to Buy Microplate Readers
Cell viability, proliferation and cell death
There are many different commercially
available cell-based assay kits that enable
cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis
to be measured. These include those for
monitoring ATP, measuring caspase activity
and detecting bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU).
They are also used in toxicity testing in
pre-clinical drug development. These assays,
applied to live cells, require a microplate
reader to maintain appropriate environmental
controls. The CLARIOstar Plus comes with a
module – the Atmospheric Control Unit (ACU)
– for in-dependent control of oxygen and
carbon dioxide. Read about the monitoring of
apoptosis and necrosis in real time using the
CLARIOstar’s ACU feature, that maintains the
appropriate O2 and CO2 environment for
cells, while the RealTime-Glo™ Annexin V
Apoptosis and Necrosis Assay measures cell
death using luminescence and fluorescent
signals (figure 9).
Learn more about solutions for in vitro
interrogation of cell metabolism that can be
performed on your microplate reader in this
presentation from Agilent Technologies.
Live-cell assays
In live, real-time cell-based experiments,
it is beneficial to read from the bottom of
the microplate, rather than the top. Reading
from the bottom offers several advantages
for cell-based detection: the light collector
can be placed closer to the sample and the
cell layer adherent closer to the bottom of
the well, which decreases light dissipation.
Moreover, the interfering effect of the cell
culture medium is significantly reduced. Both
Figure 9. Using the RealTime-Glo™ Annexin V Apoptosis and
Necrosis Assay (left), cell death is measured on the CLARIOstar
while the Atmospheric Control Unit (ACU) module (right) maintains
the appropriate O2 and CO2 environment for cells. Download the
full method here.
factors positively affect sensitivity. In addition,
bottom reading allows for a cover or lid to be
placed on top of the microplate to prevent
cell contamination and liquid evaporation.
This is particularly important in time-lapse
experiments.
Several readers are optimized for live-cell
assays, including the PHERAstar® FSX and
CLARIOstar Plus, which use a proprietary
Direct Optic Reading system to eliminate the
need for fiber optics. Another multi-mode
reader, the Tecan Spark® Cyto, includes pre-
defined protocols for applications such as cell
viability and apoptosis, which enable analysis
of compounds in real-time.
Live-cell experiments involving translational
research concepts, such as testing for
ischemia-reperfusion in cells for research
on stroke, involve a tight regulation of
oxygenation as measurements are made in
real time. In this video, Dr. Ben Allsop, UCL
Drug Discovery Group, presents a cell-based
assay to simulate human disease, using the
ACU unit to control for oxygenation levels,
mimicking the conditions of ischemia-
reperfusion injury in vitro (figure 10).
Figure 10. Dr. Ben Allsop, UCL Drug Discovery Group, describes a cell-based
assay to simulate ischemia-reperfusion
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2020 How to Buy Microplate Readers
The ability to investigate the intracellular
distribution of molecules is a step towards
understanding cell health and mechanisms of
disease. Learn how the CLARIOstar® is helping
researchers to visualize the subcellular
distribution of redox species in intact
cells in this award-winning SelectScience
interview with Prof. Bruce Morgan, Professor
of Biochemistry at University of the Saarland
in Saarbrücken. Cell migration in wound
healing assays is a popular application using
microplate readers. Discover novel technology
from BioTek that can automate wound healing
creation in this application note.
3D cell culture assays and phenotypic screens
Recently, there has been an increased drive
to develop assays and readers for 3D cell
cultures. These spheroids or cell clumps
can be grown in multi-well plates and more
closely mimic the endogenous environment,
which is important in both life sciences and
drug discovery applications. There is a focus
on automating the spheroid workflow, from
maintaining spheroid health, to 3D imaging of
assays. Discover top tips for managing media
exchange for spheroid assays for microplate
reader-based experiments in this article and
read about an automated method for analysis
of kinetic live-cell 3D spheroid-based tumor
invasion in this application note.
In this method, 3D heart muscle was
reconstituted with cardiac myocytes derived
from human induced pluripotent stem cells
(iPSCs). Learn how calcium flux is measured
every 0.01 seconds using the CLARIOstar
(figure 11).
Phenotypic screening is used routinely
TOP TIP
Consider whether you need
your microplate reader for
real-time, live-cell assays
and which technologies or
modules are available and
suitable for your applications.
Figure 11. The CLARIOstar captures Ca2+ transients that induce cardiac
contractions in iPSC-derived 3D heart tissue. Download the full method here.
in drug discovery for the identification of
substances that alter the phenotype of a cell
or an organism. The target cells are screened
with compounds or biopharmaceuticals to
assess modulation of the activity of interest.
In vitro phenotypic screening uses cell lines
and cell-based assays and is often performed
in high-content microplates and may utilize
live cells.
This application note by Tecan details
how compound screening workflows can
be automated on the Tecan Spark® Cyto by
enabling specific actions at different times in
the experiment based on real-time biological
data such as confluence.
Cell signaling
Deciphering cell signaling, especially for
G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), forms
the basis of discovering therapeutic targets.
In fact, a predominant number of current
drugs target the GPCR signaling. Upon ligand
binding, the Gs-coupled GPCR receptor
activates adenylyl cyclase that in turn
produces cAMP, governing important cellular
responses. Gi-coupled GPCR receptors,
however, inhibit adenylyl cyclase and cAMP
production. The phosphatidylinositol pathway,
on the other hand, is triggered by the Gq-
coupled receptors. In Gq-coupled signaling,
DAG and intracellular calcium act as second
messengers, ultimately influencing cell
functions.
Microplate readers can be used to detect
GPCR signal transduction in living cells. Two
methods published by BMG LABTECH describe
(1) real-time detection of Gs and Gi signaling
and (2) detection of GPCR second messengers
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2020 How to Buy Microplate Readers

“
in living cells (figure 12), while this popular screening of cells, either by well or per
award-winning application eBook by Molecular cell. Multi-mode microplate readers have
Devices describes how been designed specifically
cell signaling pathways for this HTS combined
can be explored through
multiple techniques on a
Microplate readers with imaging.

2.11 Amplified
single instrument.
Another enzyme group can be used to luminescent proximity
regulating intracellular homogeneous assay
signaling, and important
target for drug development,
is kinases. These enzymes
phosphorylate target
molecules, modifying their
detect GPCR signal
transduction in
living cells
“ screen (AlphaScreen)

AlphaScreen is a versatile
assay technology
developed to measure
activity or interaction analytes using a
behavior, as a result there homogenous protocol that
is a focused effort in drug development to enables sensitive and precise interrogation of
create kinase inhibitors. In this presentation signaling pathways, receptors, enzymes and
by Erik Schaefer, AssayQuant Technologies, kinase targets, in a cell-based format.
Inc., learn about a novel approach to AlphaScreen has been particularly useful
measure kinase activities in high-throughput, for screening GPCRs, growth factor receptors,
microplate format. epigenetic inhibitors, intracellular MAPK
inhibitors and many other signaling pathways.
2.10 High-content screening
2.12 Homogeneous time-resolved
Drug discovery and manufacturing fluorescence (HTRF)
applications often require high-content
screening (HCS) and/or high-throughput Utilizing rare-earth lanthanides with long
screening (HTS). emission half-lives as donor fluorophores,
Most of the applications above can be HTRF technology combines standard FRET
conducted in high-content, multi-well plates with the time-resolved measurement (TR)
in microplate readers. High-throughput drug of fluorescence.
screening for target validation and ADMET HTRF is commonly used for GPCR and kinase
(absorption, distribution, metabolism, screening, two of the most important target
elimination and toxicity) is a key process classes investigated within drug discovery.
in drug discovery. However, phenotypic Other HTRF applications include discovery of
cell-based assays are now becoming more new biomarkers, studies of protein-protein
commonplace. In addition to conventional interactions, epigenetics and an alternative
assays, these readers enable phenotypic method for bioprocess monitoring.

Figure 12. (Left) GPCR signaling that forms the focus of a majority of drug targets, and (right) measuring second
messengers, DAG (red) and PIP2 (green), using the CLARIOstar. Download the full method here.

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2020 How to Buy Microplate Readers
TOP TIP
The ability to measure all
wells of a microplate at
once is a factor to consider,
alongside reliability, sensitivity
and consistency, which are
essential for high-throughput
screens.
Using the PHERAstar® FSX, the HTRF IP-One
assay was performed where single clones
were functionally screened using stably
transfected recombinant CHO-M1 cells.
Microplate readers/detectors are used for
numerous applications and, as technologies
evolve, even more will emerge. When
purchasing a microplate reader/detector,
it is important to establish what applications
you will be using it for now, and in the
future. You will want to ensure that your
chosen microplate reader/detector is
capable of fulfilling all your requirements
but also consider how easily upgradable it is
for your future needs.
2.13 Compliance software for GMP/
GLP labs
If you’re working in a Good Manufacturing
Practice (GMP)/Good Laboratory Practice
(GLP) environment, you may need to meet
FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
If so, you will need to choose a microplate
reader with software that offers full support
for FDA compliance and streamlines the
workflow to achieve it. For example,
Molecular Devices offers a complete GxP
compliance and validation solution for its
microplate readers including validation
software, tools, and services to ensure audit
readiness. SoftMax® Pro GxP Software is a
secure software that achieves full FDA 21
CFR Part 11 compliance with streamlined
workflows to ensure data integrity—
available for a single- or multi- computer
networked environment. In addition, the
software validation package provides
comprehensive documentation and tools
to validate GxP protocols and data flow to
ensure data integrity.
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2020 How to Buy Microplate Readers
3. Top tips from the experts
We asked technical experts about their
top considerations when choosing a new
microplate reader.
Assays and detection modes: Make sure your
“
microplate reader supports the assays your
lab will be performing. If your lab runs a
handful of basic assays in absorbance mode,
then a single-mode absorbance reader may
meet your needs. If several
different detection modes
are required for a variety of Consider how many
different applications, such
as cell viability and reporter
gene assays, then a multi-
detection modes
mode microplate reader is
a better choice, especially
the plate reader
if space in your lab is
limited. In terms of how
to run several assays with
different readers, including
live-cell imaging, a new
application guide serves as the system
supports and if you
are able to upgrade
a reference to set up and
run an assay quickly.
Flexibility: Is the system filter-based,
monochromator-based, or both? While filter-
based systems are more sensitive, with
greater limits of detection, monochromator-
based systems provide greater flexibility,
through increased wavelength scanning
capabilities. For optimal flexibility, consider
a system that incorporates both filter and
monochromator wavelength selection.
Also consider how many detection modes
the plate reader supports and if you are able
to upgrade the system to include additional
modes at a later date, to accommodate future
applications.
Reproducibility: Consider the features of the
microplate reader that will aid reproducibility
of results. For example, with cytometry
assays using adherent
cell cultures, whole-well
imaging capabilities will
help to provide context
of all cells within a well
at once and detect sub-
population responses
and rare events, while
the ability to assess cell
“
confluence will help to
identify wells with uneven
distribution or viability,
all of which may affect
the reproducibility of
your results.
Accessories and add-ons: Not all microplate
readers have the same standard features.
Be sure to ask what is included with the
reader at the time of demonstration.
Optional items may be key parts of the
kit, including computers to run the
instrument, filters or filter cubes, software
licenses, software upgrades, FDA-compliant
software, incubators, environmental controls
or injectors.
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2020 How to Buy Microplate Readers
Temperature control: Fluctuating temperature
within a microplate reader can cause
inaccurate results if assay stability is
compromised. When working with kinetic cell-
based assays or protein denaturation studies,
for example, consider the temperature control
features of the microplate readers that allow
precise control so that you can perform all
reads under the same conditions, while those
with cooling functionality will help to reduce
downtime between measurements.
“
Sensitivity and reading speed: Sensitivity
refers to the lower limit of detection, and
greater sensitivity may be associated with
filter-based detection
(though not always). The
sensitivity required will
depend on the samples
Software may
you are using, and types
of assays performed.
provide preconfigured
For example, where
small volumes or low
concentrations of sample
are to be used, consider
opting for a plate reader
with greater sensitivity.
analysis templates
for a variety of
specific assays
The reading speed
required will also depend
on your application. High-throughput assays,
such as AlphaScreen or HTRF assays, require
both sensitivity and speed.
Request a demo: Once you have considered
both your application needs and the different
technologies that are available, chances are
that you will have narrowed down the choice
to just a few microplate readers. Before going
ahead and purchasing a microplate reader/
detector, it is highly recommended that you
try it out. Most manufacturers will let you
demo the instrument for a trial period. This is
a great opportunity to ensure the microplate
reader fulfills all your requirements and is
easy to use, as well as to make sure you get
the right support and training to use the
instrument.
Servicing, technical support and warranty:
Consider the extent of the technical support
and training that is available from the
manufacturer at the point of purchase.
Is it included in the purchase cost? It is
also recommended that you look into the
company’s policy on after-sales service and
standard warranty. If your plate reader does
need tech support, will you need a loan
instrument? Or can you wait for it to be
repaired? While everything is operating well,
this may be the last thing on your mind, but in
the event that after-sales support is required,
it is important to know how accessible that is.
Software: The software provided with a
microplate reader not only serves as the
user interface for reader setup and data
generation, but it can enable complex data
analysis – microplate
readers take hundreds
or thousands of
measurements, so
data acquisition and
analysis are key to
“ efficient workflow. The
software may provide
preconfigured analysis
templates for a variety
of specific assays,
reducing the amount
of time needed to set
up the instrument and
obtain results. Some systems are even set up
for remote monitoring of experiments, alerting
users when interactions are needed or if the
instrument status has changed.
Make sure that you know how to use the
software for your current needs and how
to keep it updated. Find out how well it is
supported by the manufacturer.
Compatibility: A lab can have equipment from
different manufacturers. Consider how well
your chosen reader will integrate with your
existing equipment and how easy it will be
to upgrade in the future. Many models have
a modular design and add-ons, but their
compatibility may be brand limited.
Robustness and lifespan: Take the types of
assays you will perform into consideration.
If your experiment requires prolonged, high-
speed shaking, consider how this will affect
the microplate reader over time and if it has
been designed to withstand these conditions.
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2020 How to Buy Microplate Readers
Cost: In general, cost increases with
sensitivity. Consider the requirements of your
current and future applications and the cost
of servicing/technical support.
Future needs: Taking current and future
trends into consideration is essential in
maximizing the lifespan of the microplate
reader/detector. If you anticipate that your
needs will evolve over time, then a microplate
reader that can continue to adapt to those
needs — i.e., through the addition of different
filters, injectors, cell imaging, or western blot
detection capabilities — is a forward-thinking
choice. Access to good technical support can
also help you understand how best to use
your microplate reader as you explore new
application areas.
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2020 How to Buy Microplate Readers
4. Summary & acknowledgments
Whether purchasing a microplate reader/
detector for a new application, or replacing an
existing system, there are a number of factors
to consider.
You will need to examine your current and
future application needs and determine which
of the available technologies best suits these
applications.
As systems become more sophisticated,
integration, convenience and application
specificity will be fundamental. Systems
will become faster and more efficient and
be able to run a broader variety of different
assays. Application possibilities will increase
as manufacturers work to provide solutions
to individual and industry demands.
Manufacturers are taking customer feedback
and requirements into consideration, with
many developing strategies for even greater
specificity assays and technology for the future.
Visit the SelectScience® Microplate
Readers / Detectors product directory for an
overview of the latest products from leading
manufacturers. Keep up-to-date with the
latest techniques and advances in technology
by visiting the SelectScience Microplate
Readers / Detectors page in our life sciences
community, for interviews, application notes,
videos and the latest news.
Acknowledgments
Thanks to the following industry experts for
their input in this guide:
•D  r. Andrea Krumm, Applications Specialist,
BMG LABTECH
• Dr. Cathy Olsen, Sr. Applications Scientist,
Molecular Devices
• Dr. Michael Fejtl & Siegfried Sasshofer, Tecan
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2020 How to Buy Microplate Readers
5. Editor’s picks
CLARIOstar® Plus
by BMG LABTECH
“A very high-quality modern plate
reader and easy to use. Nearly
1,000 readings in a year and it
works like a clock.”
Hampus Elofsson,
Mercodia
TriStar² LB 942
Microplate Reader
by BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES
GmbH & Co. KG
“I used Qubit™ nucleic acid
staining dyes and results are
good - linearity and excellent
quantification of DNA dilution.”
Umesh Satyanarayana,
L&T Technology Services Limited
SpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode
Microplate Reader with
MiniMax™ 300 Imaging
Cytometer
by Molecular Devices
“Great results - cannot work
without it! Excellent results
for end-time analyses to check
proliferation of cancer cells.”
Ektaben Patel,
Baylor College of Medicine
Cytation 5 Cell Imaging
Multi-Mode Reader
by BioTek Instruments, Inc.,
a part of Agilent
“Great, versatile instrument.
The combination of luminescence,
fluorescence and imaging covers a
wide variety of assays from
one instrument.”
Laura McMullan,
CDC
Spark® Cyto
Multi-mode Microplate
by Tecan
“The Spark Cyto represents, in
my opinion, an excellent support
for daily activities in any cell
biology laboratory.”
Fabio Gasparri,
Nerviano Medical Sciences
EnVision® Multilabel
Plate Reader
by PerkinElmer, Inc.
“The PerkinElmer Envision is a
fast and sensitive multimodal
plate reader. It is the workhorse
in our lab for all kinds of
plate-based assays.”
Friedrich Reinhard,
GSK
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