The SpectraMax® M3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader dual monochromatic optics allows the widest range of applications to be utilized for bioresearch applications all without the need to change filters, and provides three modes of detection in one platform.
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UV-Visible Absorbance (Abs)
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Fluorescence Intensity (FI)
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Glow Luminescence (Lumi)
The SpectraMax M3 Microplate Reader is the standard for UV/visible multi-mode reader absorbance, providing ultrafast, full spectral range detection for cuvettes, 96-, and 384-well microplates.
Using the patented PathCheck® Pathlength Measurement Technology, the SpectraMax M3 Microplate Reader transforms each well in a microplate to a fixed optical path length cuvette, and can eliminate standard curves by allowing the calculation of concentrations directly from the absorbance with a known extinction co-efficient, as exemplified with nucleic acid and protein quantification
For fluorescence intensity assays users can select from top or bottom read modes for improved sensitivity for solution and cell-based assays. Assays can be better optimized by scanning across a range of wavelengths in increments as small as 1 nm. Up to 4 wavelength pairs can be read in one protocol for endpoint and kinetic measurements allowing for fast setup of FRET assays.
For luminescence, the SpectraMax M3 Microplate Reader utilizes a dedicated luminescence photomultiplier tube (PMT), providing the user the maximum signal and lowest background possible for glow luminescence reporter gene assays.
If the needs of the researcher change, the SpectraMax M3 Microplate Reader can be upgraded with more detection options including time-resolved fluorescence, fluorescence polarization, and HTRF certified detection making it equivalent to the SpectraMax M4 Microplate Reader, SpectraMax M5 Microplate Reader, or the SpectraMax M5e Microplate Reader.
The SpectraMax M3 Microplate Reader is supplied with SoftMax Pro Data Acquisition & Analysis Software, Molecular Devices' industry leading all-in-one software. Additionally, the SpectraMax M3 Microplate Reader can be seamlessly integrated with the StakMax® Microplate Handling System through SoftMax Pro Data Acquisition & Analysis Software.
Multiple Detection Modes: The optics in the SpectraMax M3 Microplate Reader is designed to easily adapt to changes in assay requirements while maintaining the optimal performance for all modes including absorbance, fluorescence intensity, and luminescence.
Precision Optics and Detectors: The SpectraMax M3 Microplate Reader utilizes several key technologies to ensure optimal sensitivity for all modes.
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Dual monochromators allow users to target the optimal assay excitation and emission wavelengths and eliminate the need to change expensive band pass filters between experiments
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Dual photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) provide detection flexibility to the widest variety of assays
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Reference diodes automatically adjust to slight fluctuations in excitation intensity to reduce measurement noise
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Absorbance applications are enhanced using top-quality UV grade fibers to provide strong light transmission in the lowest wavelengths
Patented AutoPMT Optimization System: Unlike most fluorescence readers that may saturate with signal intensities over 3 orders of magnitude, the patented AutoPMT Optimization System of the SpectraMax M3 Microplate Reader adjusts the fluorescence detector to each sample well's concentration and normalizes the raw data, extending the dynamic range of assays so that low, medium, and high signals can be captured from the same plate. This calibration against an internal standard provides an additional benefit in being able to confidently compare relative fluorescence units (RFUs) of individual samples across plates and readers.
Patented PathCheck® Pathlength Measurement Technology: Only Molecular Devices microplate plate readers offer the capability to measure the depth (optical pathlength) of samples in a temperature independent manner using the patented PathCheck® Technology. With SoftMax Pro Software, the PathCheck Technology automatically normalizes the well absorbance.
Comprehensive Reader Validation: Molecular Devices microplate readers have the most complete level of product validation and compliance of any system on the market. A variety of tools are available to users to meet users' diverse validation needs. Molecular Devices provides the complete solution covering the instrument and software.
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SpectraTest® ABS1, FL1, and LM1 Validation Plates for hardware validation of absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence modes
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IQ/OQ/PQ documentation
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SoftMax Pro Software validation package
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Software tools for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance
Automating with Ease: The SpectraMax M3 Microplate Reader has several options when user throughput needs demand walk-away automation. Seamless integration with the StakMax System, Molecular Devices' own integrated microplate stacker designed exclusively for SpectraMax Microplate Readers and AquaMax® Microplate Washers.
For more complex automation needs, SpectraMax M3 Microplate Reader has an automation-compatible reader design for integration into automated platforms. Molecular Devices' microplate readers have been integrated into all major automation platforms.
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General Specifications
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Dimensions (in.)
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8.6 (H) x 22.8 (W) x 15.3 (D)
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Dimensions (cm)
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22 (H) x 58 (W) x 39 (D)
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Weight
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36 lbs (16.4 kg)
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Power Consumption
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< 420 watts
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Power Source
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100-240 VAC, 3 A, 50/60 Hz
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Robotic Compatible
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Yes
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general photometric performance
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Plate Formats
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6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 384 wells
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Light Source
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Xenon Flash Lamp (1 joule/flash)
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Detectors
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2 photomultiplier tubes
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ShakerTime
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0 to 999 seconds
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Temperature Control
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2 °C above ambient to 60 °C
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Temperature Uniformity
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< 1°C at 37°C set point
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Temperature Accuracy
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±1°C at 37°C set point
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Endpoint Reading
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All modes
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Kinetic Reading
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All modes
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Spectral Scanning
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All modes
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Well Scanning
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Abs, FI, TRF, Lum
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Typical Read Times (minutes:seconds)††
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96 wells
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384 wells
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Absorbance
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0:18
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0:49
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Fluorescence Intensity
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0:17
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0:48
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Fluorescence Polarization
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0:42
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2:03
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Time-Resolved Fluorescence
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0:17
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0:48
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Luminescence
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2:00
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7:00
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absorbance photometric performance
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Reading Capabilities
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Cuvette or microplate
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Wavelength
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200-1000 nm
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Wavelength Selection
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Monochromator, tunable in 1.0 nm increments
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Wavelength Bandwidth
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< 4.0 nm
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Wavelength Accuracy
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±2.0 nm
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Wavelength Repeatability
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±0.2 nm
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Photometric Range
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0-4.0 OD
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Photometric Resolution
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0.001 OD
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Photometric Accuracy (Microplate)
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< ±0.006 OD ±1.0%, 0-2 OD
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Photometric Accuracy (Cuvette)
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< ±0.005 OD ±1.0%, 0-2 OD
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Photometric Precision
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< ±0.003 OD ±1.0%, 0-2 OD
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Stray Light
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< 0.05% @ 230 nm
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fluorescence intensity performance
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Reading Capabilities
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Cuvette or top or bottom of a microplate
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Wavelength Range
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250-850 nm
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Wavelength Selection
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Monochromators, tunable in 1.0 nm increments
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Bandwidth (Ex, Em)
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9 nm, 15 nm
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Sensitivity
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< 5 pM fluorescein in 96 wells or cuvette,
< 20 pM in 384 wells
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luminescence performance
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Reading Capabilities
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Cuvette or top or bottom of a microplate
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Wavelength Selection
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All wavelengths or with selected wavelengths
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Wavelength Range
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250-850 nm
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Sensitivity
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< 2 fg/well lower detection limit for firefly luciferase in 96- and 384-well top read
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Cross-talk
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< 0.5% in 96- and 384-well microplates
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time-resolved fluorescence performance (M4, M5, M5e only)
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Reading Capabilities
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Top or bottom of a microplate
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Wavelength Range
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250-850 nm
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Wavelength Selection
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Monochromators, tunable in 1.0 nm increments
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Bandwidth (Ex, Em)
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9 nm, 15 nm
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Precision Data Collectionn
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1-100 flashes, delay of 0-600 µsec before read, integration time selectable between 50-1500 µsec
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Sensitivity
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100 fM europium in 96 or 384 wells with top-read
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SpectraMax M5e reader only
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Certified to Cisbio Bioassays' HTRF assays performance Specifications
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fluorescence polarization performance
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Wavelength Range
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400-750 nm
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Wavelength Selection
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Monochromators, tunable in 1.0 nm increments
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Bandwidth (Ex, Em)
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9 nm, 15 nm
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Precision
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< 5 mP standard deviation at 1 nM fluorescein in 96 and 384 wells
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*Specifications subject to change.
*FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES.
† The PathCheck Sensor is covered under U.S. Patents 5,959,738, 6,188,476, 6,320,662, 6,339,472, 6,404,501, 6,496,260 and 6,995,844. SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5e readers are also covered under U.S. Patents 6,097,025 6,232,608, 6,236,456, 6,313,471 and 6,316,774 6,693,709, and 6,825,921
†† With 3 flashes/well in absorbance and fluorescence modes, and 1 sec./well integration in luminescence.
SoftMax Pro Data Acquisition & Analysis Software, Molecular Devices' industry leading all-in-one data acquisition and analysis software, offers:
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The most extensive library of "ready-to-run" application protocols to get you started faster
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Optional tools for regulated labs with SoftMax Pro GxP Compliance Software
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Advanced calculations including non-linear fitting metrics for in-depth analysis
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The only Mac- and Windows-native application support for seamless exchange of data files between operating systems
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Proven integrations with leading automation and LIMS platforms for partnered solutions
