Bio-Rad Microplate Reader Model 550 with 8-Photodiode Detection and Dual Wavelength Measurement

The Bio-Rad Microplate Reader Model 550 is a precise laboratory instrument designed for absorbance measurement in biotechnology and clinical diagnostics workflows. It features an advanced optical system with 8 silicon photodiode detectors and supports single and dual wavelength photometric methods, enabling accurate quantitation essential for molecular diagnostics and bioprocessing applications. Equipped with a 20W tungsten halogen lamp providing stable illumination over a spectral range of 400nm to 700nm, the device accommodates up to 4 interference filters including standard 415nm and 490nm, plus optional filters at 550nm and 570nm, suitable for diverse bioassay formats.

Technical highlights include:

• Membrane keypad interface with numeric and function keys and a clear 2-line by 16-character LCD display for easy operation and result monitoring.
• Bi-directional RS232C serial port enabling effective data communication with laboratory computer systems.
• Multiple report types—Raw data, Absorbance, Matrix, Limit, Cutoff, and Concentration—allowing flexible analysis tailored to biotechnological research, gene editing, and biomanufacturing pipelines.
• Built-in mixing capability enhances assay uniformity and reliability in synthetic biology and molecular cloning steps.
• The device’s interference filters feature a narrow 10nm bandwidth with precision center wavelength control (±3.0nm), ensuring selective measurement critical in fluorescence analysis and biopharmaceutical production quality control.

This microplate reader is widely adopted in synthetic biology research, cell imaging protocols, and clinical diagnostics, where robust absorbance measurement and data acquisition are vital. Its architecture supports complex bioprocessing workflows, making it a valuable tool for scientists and researchers focusing on molecular diagnostics and biomanufacturing quality assurance.

Note: This listing is for a used instrument sold as-is; performance may not fully match original factory specifications and should be verified prior to use in critical applications.