Molecular Devices SpectraMax ABS Plus UV-Visible Microplate Reader with Cuvette Compatibility

The Molecular Devices SpectraMax ABS Plus Microplate Reader offers precise absorbance measurements spanning a broad UV-visible wavelength range from 190 nm to 1000 nm, making it ideal for biotechnology, molecular diagnostics, and bioprocessing workflows. Utilizing a monochromator with 1.0 nm tunable increments and a 2 nm bandwidth, the reader supports high spectral resolution and wavelength accuracy of less than ±1.0 nm. It delivers minimal stray light (≤0.05% at 230 nm), ensuring reliable and reproducible data essential in synthetic biology and molecular cloning applications.

This model uniquely supports multiple plate formats including 96- and 384-well microplates as well as a cuvette option exclusive to the ABS Plus, providing versatility for diverse assay requirements in cell imaging and fluorescence analysis laboratories. The patented multi-channel optical system measures sample depth directly on the plate and normalizes readings to a standard 1 cm cuvette pathlength, facilitating faster workflows by eliminating the need for precise pipetting volumes. This feature also enables rapid validation of multi-channel dispensers and pipettes, critical in biomanufacturing quality control.

Key operational features include user-programmable Automix for temperature and mixing uniformity with ±0.75°C stability at 37°C, important for kinetic assays and live-cell studies. The instrument integrates seamlessly with automated platforms such as the Molecular Devices StakMax plate stacker and other robotic systems, supporting high-throughput screening in clinical diagnostics and biotechnology research.

Performance specifications underscore fast kinetic read times—9 seconds for 96-well and 29 seconds for 384-well plates—powered by a robust 5W Xenon flash lamp rated for up to 1 billion flashes. The unit employs sensitive silicon photodiode detectors with top-down illumination and linear plate shaking to enhance assay consistency.

Compact and robust, the reader measures 8 x 12 x 16.3 inches, weighs 30 lbs, and operates on universal power supply (100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 3A), suitable for a range of laboratory environments specializing in molecular biology, bioprocessing, and biomedical engineering.

This SpectraMax ABS Plus microplate reader is a precision instrument widely used in molecular diagnostics and synthetic biology research, essential for absorbance-based assays requiring high sensitivity and throughput in biotech and clinical settings.