Allows life science researchers to replace multiple instruments currently used for spectrophotometry and spectrofluorometry with one compact, high-performance system
Molecular Devices has announced the introduction of SpectraMax M2, the first dual-monochromator, multi-detection microplate reader with dual-mode cuvette port for fluorescence and absorbance assays.
The dual-mode cuvette port and multi-detection microplate reading capability will allow life science researchers to replace multiple instruments currently used for spectrophotometry and spectrofluorometry with one compact, high-performance system.
The SpectraMax M2, which debuted at the Drug Discovery Technology 2003 Conference and Exhibition in Boston, is the only multi-detection system to feature a dual-mode cuvette port and a single-read command capability for experiments requiring both absorbance and fluorescence microplate and cuvette detection in the same assay.
The system reads endpoint, kinetic, spectrum and well-area scanning assays, such as Elisas, nucleic acid, protein, enzymatic, cell viability and proliferation assays, and other homogeneous and heterogeneous microplate assays in 6- through 384-well formats.
With SpectraMax M2 and Molecular Devices's PathCheck sensor, said to be the only technology available that measures the optical pathlength of samples in a microplate, researchers can realise faster, more precise results by easily converting and optimising very-low-throughput benchtop assays for medium- to high-throughput.
Molecular Devices also introduces the first fluorescence validation test plate, SpectraTest FL1, which allows researchers to validate and standardise fluorescence microplate assays as required by GLP/GMP standards.
The SpectraTest FL1 provides instrument validation for fluorescence similar to Molecular Devices's SpectraTest validation package used for absorbance and long considered the gold-standard by pharmaceutical and biotechnology laboratories. Commenting on the launch of the products, Stephen Oldfield, Molecular Devices's vice president of worldwide marketing, stated: "The SpectraMax M2 optical performance for absorbance and fluorescence detection modes is comparable to our dedicated, top-of-the-line SpectraMax Plus384 spectrophotometer and Gemini XS spectrofluorometer.
"We expect this instrument to help our customers increase productivity and free up valuable benchtop space by giving them multiple detection modes in one powerful, space-saving instrument.
"The lack of a gold-standard fluorescence validation test method for microplate spectrofluorometry has limited the migration of fluorescence assays from primary and secondary screening stages to the pre-clinical testing, QC and manufacturing stages in the drug discovery process.
"The introduction of the SpectraTest FL1 validation test plate, together with the SpectraMax M2, allows the validation of sensitive fluorescence assays so they can be used in a regulated environment".
The SpectraMax M2 system utilises Molecular Devices's industry-leading SoftMax Pro software, which provides data acquisition, analysis and management capabilities, as well as optional FDA 21 CFR part 11 tools.
