Namely, a microplate reader uncovers light signals on a microplate to analyze specific reactions to optical signal changes at designated wavelengths.
Read on to answer “what does a microplate reader do?”. Knowing more about the science of microplate handling, the handling system’s components, and what a microplate reader measures are helpful.
What Is Microplate Handling?
Dr. Gyula Takatsy developed the concept of microplate handling in the 50s when he created 6 rows of 12 wells and used them in place of test tubes. Since then, robotics companies and others have designed integrated systems of automated laboratory equipment.
A microplate handling system contains robotic devices that move microplates between locations within a workflow structure. Depending on its configuration, a system includes a specific number of plates, plate types, and interchangeable plate stacks.
Microplate handling instruments can operate in portrait and landscape modes, often can fit into a biosafety cabinet, and adapt to third-party laboratory instruments. As a result, they provide more accurate testing, increase examination consistency, and lower operating costs.
What Does a Microplate Reader Measure?
So, what does a microplate reader do? It measures many samples at once and can perform multiple measurements simultaneously. The standard microplate reader density is 96, 384, or 1536 plates to measure biological, chemical, and physical reactions. Higher densities of 3,456 and 9,600 multi-well plates exist but aren’t as common.
Laboratories narrow the field of possibilities and make easier comparisons by being able to process multiple samples. Considered a lab workhorse, microplate readers improve research efficiency and increase productivity. Labs use these readers to perform biological, pharmaceutical, and environmental research and product testing in the food, cosmetic and other industries.
Examples of Microplate Handling System Components
When setting up a microplate handling system, laboratories choose instruments to handle many tasks. Below are examples of common automated devices laboratories include in their handling systems.
Fluorescence microplate reader: This instrument detects light photons discharged from a fluorescent sample. Researchers use them for life science research, drug screening, and food and water quality monitoring. In addition to fluorescence, most multimode readers also include absorbance and luminescence detections.
Microplate washer: This component washes experimental samples arrayed in microplates. The washers rinse with wash buffer and aspirate liquids from the plates, cell cultures, protein arrays, etc., to improve the handling system’s speed and accuracy.
96-well plate dispenser: The instrument dispenses solvents, acids, bases, and other materials into deep or narrow 96-well microplates. Most dispensers have an adjustable speed pump to optimize performance and adjust for viscosity. These high-speed dispensers deliver equal volumes of reagents to the wells.
Stacker: The microplate delivery system stacks microplates, moves them to different nesting locations and instruments, and aligns liquid samples properly for handling. Stackers help users multi-task, thereby performing research quicker.
Hudson Robotics is a “leader in laboratory automation solutions for life-science research” and answers questions like this one, “what does a microplate reader do,” and others. Speak to a representative today!