Molecular Devices SpectraMax M3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Wavelength Range
200 to 1000 nm
Wavelength Bandwidth
≤ 4.0 nm full width half maximum
Wavelength Accuracy
± 2.0 nm across wavelength range
- Supports absorbance (UV-Vis), fluorescence intensity, and luminescence detection modes
- Dual monochromators for precise wavelength selection with 1 nm increments
- Top-read and bottom-read modes for enhanced sensitivity in solution and cell-based assays
- PathCheck technology ensures accurate pathlength correction for absorbance measurements
- Integrated temperature control from ambient +2°C to 60°C with ±1°C accuracy
- Dedicated luminescence photomultiplier tube (PMT) for low background noise
- Compatible with 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, 96-, and 384-well microplates
- Robotics-compatible design for automation in high-throughput applications
- Xenon flash lamp for reliable and consistent light source performance
- Shaker with programmable timing from 0 to 999 seconds
The Molecular Devices SpectraMax M3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader is a dual-monochromator, multi-detection
microplate reader with full spectral range detection for cuvettes and 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, 96-, and 384-well microplates. Detection modalities include absorbance (UV-Vis Abs), fluorescence intensity (FI), luminescence (Lumi), and all have optical performance comparable to a
top-of-the-line dedicated spectrofluorometer or spectrophotometer. Endpoint,
kinetic, spectrum and area-well scanning read types and PathCheck allow
homogeneous and heterogeneous microplate assays to be performed in this
flexible system. This FI, Abs, and Lumi microplate reader with a built-in cuvette port
allows for easy conversion and optimization of very-low-throughput assays into
medium-high-throughput microplate assays.
The SpectraMax M3 allows faster, more precise results and reagent savings. In addition, combined absorbance and fluorescence intensity assays can be run by issuing a single read command. The SpectraMax M3 features top-read and bottom-read modes, resulting in greater sensitivity for solution and cell-based assays. Within endpoint and kinetic measurement protocols, up to four wavelength pairs can be read at a time, allowing for improved efficiency for FRET assays. For Luminescence, the SpectraMax M3 utilizes a dedicated luminescence photomultiplier tube (PMT), providing the maximum signal and lowest background noise as possible for glow luminescence report gene assays. Key Features: dual mode cuvette port, robotics compatible, multilabel, dual monochromators, and PathCheck.
Applications include: DNA, RNA, and protein quantitation and purity; PicoGreen, NanoOrange, and Bradford; ELISAs and enzyme kinetics; drug dissolution profiles; live or dead viability or cytotoxicity assays; Caspase-3 and protease assays; cAMP assays using CatchPoint Assay Kits; and low volume applications.
All of our equipment is fully tested to perform at factory specifications before being shipped.
The Molecular Devices SpectraMax M3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader includes:
- > Windows 10 Data Station Pre-Loaded with SoftMax Pro Software 7.1.2
- > Interface Cable
- > Molecular Devices Absorbance and Fluorescence Validation Report
- > Top Read Plate
- > Power Cord
- > Operator's Guide
- > Full 180 Day Parts and Labor Warranty
Molecular Devices SpectraMax M3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader Specifications
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Absorbance Photometric Performance |
|
|
Wavelength Selection |
Monochromator, tunable in 1 nm increments |
|
Wavelength Range |
200 to 1000 nm |
|
Wavelength Bandwidth |
≤ 4.0 nm full width half maximum |
|
Wavelength Accuracy |
± 2.0 nm across wavelength range |
|
Wavelength Repeatability |
± 0.2 nm |
|
Photometric Range |
0.000 to 4.000 OD |
|
Photometric Resolution |
0.001 OD |
|
Photometric Accuracy (Microplate) |
< ± 0.006 OD ± 1%, 0 to 2 OD |
|
Photometric Accuracy (Cuvette) |
< ± 0.005 OD ± 1%, 0 to 2 OD |
|
Photometric Precision |
< ± 0.003 OD ± 1%, 0 to 2 OD |
|
Baseline Flatness |
< 0.001 OD |
|
Stray Light |
< 0.05% @ 230 nm |
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Fluorescence Intensity Performance |
|
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Dual Monochromators |
1 nm increment selection |
|
EX Wavelength Range |
250 to 850 nm |
|
EM Wavelength Range |
250 to 850 nm |
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Wavelength Bandwidth (EX, EM) |
9 nm |
|
Top-Read Optimized Sensitivity |
≤ 1 pM (fluorescein) in 96 wells |
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Top-Read Guaranteed Sensitivity |
< 5 pM (fluorescein) in 96 wells or cuvette
|
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Luminescence Photometric Performance |
|
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Sensitivity |
< 2 fg/well for firefly luciferase in 96- and 384-well microplates (top read) |
|
Wavelength Range |
250 to 850 nm |
|
Crosstalk |
< 0.5% in 96- and 384- well microplates |
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Dynamic Range |
|
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Optimized Sensitivity |
≤ 43 pM ATP in 96 wells |
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Guaranteed Sensitivity |
≤ 75 pM ATP in 96 wells |
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General Photometric Performance |
|
|
Plate Formats |
6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 384 wells |
|
Light Source |
Xenon flash lamp (1 joule/flash) |
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Detectors |
2 Photomultiplier tubes (PMT) |
|
Read Time |
96 wells: Abs 18 sec., Fl 17 sec., Lumi 120 sec. 384 wells: Abs 49 sec., Fl 48 sec., Lumi 420 sec. |
|
Shaker Time |
0 to 999 seconds |
|
Temperature Control |
Ambient +2°C to 60°C |
|
Temperature Uniformity |
< 1°C at 37°C set point |
|
Temperature Accuracy |
± 1°C at 37°C set point |
|
General Specifications |
|
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Dimensions (H x W x D) |
21.8 x 51.2 x 39 cm (8.6 x 22.5 x 15.4 in) |
|
Weight |
16.4 kg (36 lbs) |
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Computer Specifications |
|
|
Model |
Hewlett-Packard |
|
Processor |
Intel Core i5-4300U CPU |
|
RAM |
8GB |
|
Hard Drive |
240GB Internal SSD |
|
Operating System |
Windows 10 Professional, 64-bit |
- Confirm the power supply and PCB output correct, stable voltages across all required connections
- Inspect the display for any dim or dead pixels; replace affected components to maintain full visual clarity and operational accuracy
- Verify full functionality of all buttons, ensuring precise and responsive input control
- Check the XY assembly for proper movement and alignment; thoroughly clean all railings, removing any debris or contaminants
- Confirm stable software communication and connection between the instrument and PC, addressing any connectivity issues
- Inspect and clean or replace all filters as required to ensure optimal airflow and performance
- Examine internal wiring and electrical connections for any breaks, disconnections, or tears; replace or secure any compromised wiring
- Test the lamp’s full functionality, replacing it if any performance issues, dimming, or faults are detected
- Execute the necessary validation protocol, documenting completion with a date on a calibration/verification certificate
- Perform and verify appropriate updates to the PC operating system for compatibility and security
- Conduct a thorough cosmetic inspection, ensuring all external components meet quality and aesthetic standards
Technician Inspection and Recertification Checklist: Instruments
The Following Checklist Is to Be Performed on All Incoming and Outgoing Pieces of Equipment| Task | Completed? | Remarks? |
| Confirm stable, correct voltage outputs from power supply and PCB | Completed | |
| Inspect display for dim or dead pixels; replace as needed | Completed | |
| Verify functionality of all buttons for precise, responsive control | Completed | |
| Check XY assembly for proper movement; clean railings to remove debris | Completed | |
| Confirm stable software communication between instrument and PC | Completed | |
| Inspect and clean or replace filters to maintain optimal performance | Completed | |
| Examine internal wiring for damage; replace or secure compromised connections | Completed | |
| Test lamp functionality; replace if dimming or faults are detected | Completed | |
| Execute validation protocol and document on calibration/verification certificate | Completed | |
| Update PC operating system for compatibility and security | Completed | |
| Conduct cosmetic inspection to ensure quality of external components | Completed |


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