Microplate handling system for the spectramax paradigm multi-mode detection platform (110 pages)
Summary of Contents for Molecular Devices SpectraMax M3
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SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 ® Multi-Mode Microplate Readers User Guide 0112-0115 F July 2010...
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Molecular Devices equipment, software, reagents, and consumables. This document is copyright protected and any reproduction of this document, in whole or any part, is strictly prohibited, except as Molecular Devices may authorize in writing. Software that may be described in this document is furnished under a license agreement.
Assays requiring a read in two or more modes can be combined and run on the SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Readers by issuing a single command in SoftMax Pro Software, Molecular Devices’ leading ® microplate data acquisition and analysis software platform.
Description Applications Endpoint, kinetic, spectrum, and multi-point well-scanning applications combining absorbance and fluorescence in 6-well to 384-well microplates, as well as endpoint, kinetic, and spectrum applications in absorbance and fluorescence using cuvettes, can be run with little to no optimization. The extreme flexibility and high sensitivity of the SpectraMax Multi- Mode Microplate Readers make them appropriate for applications within the fields of biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, molecular biology,...
SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers PathCheck Pathlength Measurement Technology ® A SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Reader with PathCheck Pathlength Measurement Technology allows normalization of variable well volumes to 1-cm cuvette readings. PathCheck Pathlength Measurement Technology allows for multichannel pipettor validation and for experiment comparison from different days.
SoftMax Pro Software allows you to set up and run a complete protocol for the SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Reader, as well as all other Molecular Devices' microplate readers. Instrument settings can be saved as a protocol file and used repeatedly for reading different microplates or cuvettes.
SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers Reader Components The main components of the SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Readers are: • Control panel: for cuvette chamber control. • Microplate drawer: used for all five read modes and four read types.
Description The Control Panel Figure 1-2 The control panel. The control panel consists of a 2-x-20-character LCD and eleven pressure-sensitive membrane keys that can be used to control some functions of the instrument. When you press a control panel key, the instrument performs the associated action.
SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers Temp On/Off key enables and disables the incubator that controls the TEMP on/off temperature within both the microplate chamber and the cuvette port. • When the incubator is on, the set temperature and actual temperature (cuvette chamber only) are shown on the front panel LCD display.
Description A reading of buffer, water, or air taken in the cuvette that is used as I to calculate Absorbance or % Transmittance. If no reference reading is taken, the instrument uses the I values stored in the NVRAM (non- volatile memory) of the instrument.
SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers The Microplate Drawer The microplate drawer is located on the right side of the instrument and slides in and out of the reading chamber. An internal latch positions the microplate in the drawer as it closes (allowing for better robot integration-no springs or clips are used).
Description Microplates The SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Reader can accommodate SBS- standard 6-well to 384-well microplates and strip wells. When reading optical density at wavelengths below 340 nm, special UV-transparent, disposable or quartz microplates allowing transmission of the deep UV spectra must be used. Not all manufacturers' microplates are the same with regard to design, materials, or configuration.
SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers The Cuvette Chamber Figure 1-4 The cuvette chamber. Located at the right front of the SpectraMax instrument, the cuvette chamber has a lid that lifts up, allowing you to insert or remove a cuvette.
Printer port: not used for the SpectraMax instrument • Label: provides information about the reader, such as line voltage rating, cautionary information, serial number, etc. Record the serial number shown on this label for use when contacting Molecular Devices Technical Support. 0112-0115 F...
Principles of Operation Absorbance Note: In this user guide, references to the SpectraMax readers ® include the M3, M4, M5, and M5 models. When a feature or capability applies to only certain readers, this exception is noted. Absorbance is the amount of light absorbed by a solution. To measure absorbance accurately, it is necessary to eliminate light scatter.
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Pathlength correction is accomplished only when using the PathCheck Pathlength Measurement Technology with SoftMax Pro Software. ® PathCheck Pathlength Measurement Technology is patented by Molecular Devices and can be performed only on an Molecular Devices plate reader. 0112-0115 F...
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SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers The SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Reader offers both the Cuvette Reference and the Water Constant methods. The actual pathlength, d, of a solvent is found from the following equation: Sample OD –...
Principles of Operation Water Constant or Cuvette Reference? The PathCheck Pathlength Measurement is based on the absorbance of water in the near infrared region (between 900 nm and 1000 nm). If the sample is completely aqueous, has no turbidity and has a low salt concentration (less than 0.5 M), the Water Constant is adequate.
SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers PathCheck Pathlength Measurement Technology and Interfering Substances Any material that absorbs in the 900 nm to 1000 nm spectral region could interfere with PathCheck Pathlength Measurement Technology measurements. Fortunately, there are few materials that do interfere at the concentrations typically used.
Principles of Operation Normalizing Absorbance Measurements SoftMax Pro Software automatically reports absorbance values normalized to a 1-cm pathlength. SoftMax Pro Software automatically reports absorbance values normalized to a 1-cm pathlength. The table below shows results obtained with 75 µL to 300 µL yellow reagent. Table 2-1 Yellow reagent results.
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SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers Excitation Emission maximum maximum Stokes Shift Absorption Wavelength (nm) Figure 2-2 Excitation and emission spectra. Because the intensity of the excitation light is usually many tens of thousands of times greater than that of the emitted light, some type of spectral separation is necessary to reduce the interference of the excitation light with detection of the emitted light.
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Principles of Operation Excitation reading wavelength Fluorophore’s Fluorophore’s excitation emission maximim maximim Emission reading wavelength Wavelength (nm) Figure 2-3 Optimized excitation and emission reading wavelengths. Figure 2-3 shows that the best results are often obtained when the excitation and emission wavelengths used for reading are not the same as the wavelengths of the excitation and emission spectra of the fluorophore.
SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers For more information regarding optimizing excitation and emission wavelengths using the spectral scanning capabilities of the SpectraMax series readers, see Optimizing Absorbance Assays on page Time-resolved Fluorescence (M4, M5, and M5...
Principles of Operation Fluorescence Polarization (M5 and M5 only) By using a fluorescent dye to label a small molecule, its binding to a large molecule can be monitored through its speed of rotation. Fluorescence Polarization mode returns two sets of data: one for fluorescence intensity parallel (P) to the excitation plane, and the other for fluorescence intensity perpendicular (S) to the excitation plane.
SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers Functional Description The full power of a SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Reader can only be harnessed when the instrument is controlled using SoftMax ® Software running on a computer connected to the instrument. For a complete description of the modes of operation, how to choose instrument settings, etc.
Principles of Operation The temperature feedback closed-loop control algorithms measure the chamber air temperature, compare it to the temperature set point, and use the difference to calculate the regulation of the heating cycles. This technique results in accurate, precise control of the chamber temperature with a temperature variation of the air inside the chamber of less than 1.0°C.
SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers Well Scan Read A well scan read takes one or more readings of a single well of a microplate at single or multiple wavelengths. Every option available for endpoint reads is available for well scans.
Installation WARNING! Always make sure the power switch on the instrument is in the OFF position and remove the power cord from the back of the instrument prior to any installation or relocation of the instrument. WARNING! Do not operate the instrument in an environment where potentially damaging liquids or gases are present.
Installation Unpacking Note: In this user guide, references to the SpectraMax readers ® include the M3, M4, M5, and M5 models. When a feature or capability applies to only certain readers, this exception is noted. The SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Readers are packed in a specially designed carton.
SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers Setting up the Instrument 1. Place the instrument on a level surface, away from direct sunlight, dust, drafts, vibration, and moisture. 2. Turn the instrument around so that the back of the instrument is...
Installation Installing the Drawer Adapter CAUTION! Incorrect insertion or removal of the adapter may cause damage to the microplate drawer of the SpectraMax instrument. The corner cutout must be in the lower left corner where the plate pusher is located. If you are reading standard 96-well or 384-well microplates from the top, you need to install the drawer adapter.
SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers Removing the Drawer Adapter If the adapter is in the drawer and you are either reading from the bottom or using “high profile” (6-well, 12-well, 24-well, or 48-well) plates, you need to remove the adapter.
Operation Cuvette Read—Quick Overview If you are an experienced user of this instrument, the following steps provide a quick reminder of the basic operating procedures required to read a cuvette using a SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Reader: 1. Turn on the power switch (located on the back panel). The microplate drawer opens automatically.
Operation Microplate Read—Quick Overview If you are an experienced user of this instrument, the following steps provide a quick reminder of the basic operating procedures required to read a microplate using a SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Reader: 1. Turn on the power switch (located on the back panel). The microplate drawer opens automatically.
SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers Set the Temperature (Optional) To set the temperature within the microplate or cuvette chamber, you should turn on the incubator first, allowing enough time for the temperature to reach the set point before performing a reading. When you first turn the instrument on, up to 60 minutes may be required for the temperature within the chamber to reach the set point.
Operation Select the Wavelength The absorbance wavelength, or the excitation or emission wavelengths for a fluorescence or luminescence read, can be selected for cuvette reading using either the control panel or the SoftMax Pro Software. The wavelengths must be selected using the software when reading microplates.
SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers Read the Cuvette 1. Insert the cuvette into the chamber, making sure that the clear sides are to the left and right (facing the instrument). Do not touch the clear surfaces of the cuvette.
Operation 3. Select the Control > Read command or press the Read button in SoftMax Pro Software to start the plate read. 4. When reading is complete, the drawer of the instrument opens, allowing you to remove the microplate. If the incubator is on, the drawer closes again after approximately 10 seconds.
SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers Emission Cutoff Filter The emission cutoff filters assist in reducing background. Sources of background include stray excitation light and native fluorescence of plate materials, sample constituents, and solvents (including water). The default setting allows the instrument and SoftMax Pro Software to determine which cutoff filter should be used (see Table for default settings) in endpoint and kinetic modes.
Operation Using Spectral Scanning to Optimize Excitation and Emission Wavelengths for Fluorescence Assays Put 200 µL of sample that includes the fluorophore and 200 µL of a buffer control into separate wells of a microplate. 1. Perform the excitation scan: ...
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SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers If the excitation scan shows no apparent peak, change the PMT setting to “high” and rescan the sample. If the spectral scan still shows no apparent peak, adjust the Y-scale of the zoom plot so that the plot fills the graph.
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Operation 3. Choose the emission filter: Select an emission cutoff filter that blocks as much of the residual excitation light as possible without unduly reducing the fluorescence signal. The cutoff wavelength choices are 325, 420, 435, 475, 495, 515, 530, 550, 570, 590, 610, 630, 665, or 695 nm.
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SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers Figure 4-2 Effects of cutoff filters on fluorescein. Emission was scanned from 490 to 560 nm; excitation was fixed at 485 nm. Figure 4-2 shows the effects of different cutoff filters on a scan of...
Operation Table 4-1 Emission cutoff filter default settings. Automatic Cutoff Selection Endpoint and Kinetic Modes Wavelength (nm) Emission Wavelength (nm) 530–549 550–569 570–589 590–609 610–629 630–664 665–694 695–850 For spectrum mode, the default is “manual” (no automatic cutoff). Optimizing Time-resolved Fluorescence Assays Time-resolved fluorescence assays on a SpectraMax M4, M5, and M5 reader may be read from the top or bottom of a microplate.
SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers Optimizing Fluorescence Polarization Assays Fluorescence polarization for SpectraMax M5 and M5 readers may only be read from the top of a microplate. The plastic from a microplate will affect the light polarization, precluding bottom reads and reading a covered plate.
Operation Optimizing Luminescence Assays Luminescence may be read from the top or the bottom of a microplate or the cuvette. Solid white plates or white plates with clear bottoms are recommended for luminescence reads. For standard luminescence a separate light path without monochromators carries the emitted light to a dedicated PMT.
Maintenance Technical Support Molecular Devices is a leading worldwide manufacturer and distributor of analytical instrumentation. We are committed to the quality of our products and to fully supporting our customers with the highest possible level of technical service. In order to fully benefit from our technical services, please complete the registration card and return it to the address printed on the card.
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Maintenance WARNING! Always turn the power switch off and disconnect the power cord from the main power source before performing any maintenance procedure that requires removal of any panel or cover or disassembly of any interior instrument component. WARNING! Never perform any operation on the instrument in an environment where liquids or potentially damaging gases are present.
SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers Moving a SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Reader If you need to relocate a SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Reader, follow these steps. WARNING! The instrument weighs approximately 36 pounds (16.4 kilograms). To avoid injury, it is recommended that two people lift the instrument together, using proper lifting techniques.
Maintenance Cleaning WARNING! BIOHAZARD: Wear gloves during any cleaning procedure that could involve contact with either hazardous or biohazardous materials or fluids. CAUTION! Never clean the inside of the instrument. Cleaning the interior may cause damage to the instrument. Periodically, you should clean the outside surfaces of the instrument using a cloth or sponge that has been dampened with water: •...
If you no longer have spare fuses, you may obtain new ones from Molecular Devices (part numbers: 4601-0013 for U.S., 4601-0014 for metric) or from a local hardware store. Make sure fuses are rated SLOWBLOW (U.S.: 4-amp time-delay; metric: 4-amp, 5 x 20 mm, time-delay).
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Maintenance To change fuses 1. Switch power to the instrument off and then remove the power cord from the outlet and from the instrument power cord receptacle. 2. Remove the computer cable (if connected) from the back of the instrument. 3.
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Multi-Mode Microplate Readers 7. It is possible that only one of the fuses may have blown. However, Molecular Devices recommends that you replace both fuses to ensure continued proper operation. Pull both fuses out of the holder and discard them.
When a feature or capability applies to only certain readers, this exception is noted. For problems with SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Readers that are not listed here, in the U.S., contact Molecular Devices Technical Services group at 1-800-635-5577; elsewhere, call your local representative.
To correct the problem, call your local Molecular Devices representative for assistance. Error Messages The LCD displays Fatal Error codes when a situation arises that requires attention.
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If you continue to get the fatal error message on power up, record the error message number and contact Molecular Devices Technical Support or your local representative for assistance. If the instrument is functioning normally when using SoftMax Pro Software, no errors should be in the buffer (except error number 100).
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Troubleshooting Table 6-2 Error codes, error messages, and notes about the errors ERROR ERROR MESSAGE NOTES CODE 200-299: Firmware Errors bad error number Firmware error. receive queue overflow Caused by external device sending too much data over serial port and ignoring flow control.
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SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers Table 6-2 Error codes, error messages, and notes about the errors ERROR ERROR MESSAGE NOTES CODE reference level During a cuvette read, could be due to saturation cuvette door being open.
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Troubleshooting Table 6-2 Error codes, error messages, and notes about the errors ERROR ERROR MESSAGE NOTES CODE 400-499: Motion Errors carriage motion error Carriage did not move to either of its photo interrupts in a reasonable time, or can't find its photo interrupt. filter wheel error Filter wheel did not move to its photo interrupt in a reasonable time, or can't...
Specifications SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Reader Performance ® Specifications Thermal specifications for microplates used in the SpectraMax ® Multimode Microplate Reader apply to flat-bottom microplates with isolated wells. All other microplate specifications apply to standard 96- well polystyrene flat-bottom microplates. Note: In this user guide, all references to SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Readers include the M3, M4, M5, and M5 models.
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Specifications Table A-1 Technical Specifications (cont’d) Stray light 0.05% at 230 nm Photometric stabilization Instantaneous Photometric drift None — continuous referencing of monochromatic input Calibration Automatic before first kinetic read and before every endpoint reading Optical alignment None required Light source Xenon flash lamp (50 Watts) Average lamp lifetime...
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Specifications Table A-1 Technical Specifications (cont’d) MEASUREMENT TIME (CALIBRATION OFF) Microplate read time (endpoint), 96 wells in 24 seconds (single Standard read wavelength, absorbance) 96 wells in 15 seconds (single wavelength, fluorescence intensity) 384 wells in 1:57 minutes (single wavelength, absorbance) 384 wells in 45 seconds (single wavelength, fluorescence intensity) Microplate read time (endpoint),...
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SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers Table A-1 Technical Specifications (cont’d) Temperature regulation diagnostics Temperature regulation system is continuously monitored and updated Evaporation Plate lid required to minimize evaporative cooling Recommended microplate Flat-bottom microplates with isolated wells and lid...
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Specifications Table A-1 Technical Specifications (cont’d) Spill control Drawer mechanism and reading chamber assembly protected from accidental spillage by drainage ports Computer interface 8-pin DIN RS-232 serial (double shielding required) Printer interface Parallel 25-pin to Centronics (double shielding required) Microplates supported All 6- to 384-well and strip-well microplates, including lids ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION...
SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers System Diagrams and Dimensions Dimensions are shown in inches (millimeters). Figure A-1 Front view of a SpectraMax reader ® Figure A-2 Side view of a SpectraMax reader ® 0112-0115 F...
Specifications Figure A-3 Top view of a SpectraMax reader ® Common Fluorescence and Luminescence Wavelengths Values in the following tables are based on the literature. You must scan the fluorochrome of interest in the SpectraMax M5 or M5e reader to determine the optimal excitation and emission wavelengths for your application.
Molecular Devices. Please use the cable supplied by Molecular Devices, or contact Molecular Devices for specific pin-out requirements: Male DB8 to Female DB9 (custom cable made by Molecular Devices, PN 9000-0149) USB Adapter Cable Macintosh computers, and many newer Windows-based computers do not have a serial port.
SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers Standard and Semi-micro Cuvettes Note: Several brands are available at Hellma: http://www.hellma- worldwide.com.) Internal Width Minimum Volume Maximum Volume 10 mm ~ 1.80 mL 4.0 mL 4 mm ~ 0.75 mL 1.4 mL...
Cables and Accessories Standard, Semi-micro, and Microcuvettes (Hellma) Figure B-2 Standard, semi-micro, and microcuvettes. Standard Semi-micro Micro 105.004 104.00 108.00 Hellma Cat. 10 x 10 4 x 10 4 x 10 2 x 10 2 x 10 2 x 10 Internal Dimensions 4 mL...
Index computer control 10 computer port 18 control panel 12 cuvette chamber 17 absorbance 19 Cuvette Reference 20 cuvettes for 17 cuvettes 17 normalized measurements 24 absorbance 17 optimizing assays 44 fluorescence 17 selecting wavelength 42 handling 17 accessories 78 microcuvettes 80 accessory kit 34 reading 14...
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Index fan filter, cleaning 57 (lambda) keys 13 fluorescence 24 luminescence 28 cuvettes for 17 dye wavelengths 75 optimizing assays 44 optimizing 52 readings per well 45 read times 52 selecting wavelengths 42 fluorescence polarization 28 optimizing 51 fuse box cover 18 fuses, changing 57 maintenance 53 microplates, see plates...
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SpectraMax M3, M4, M5, and M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers power cord 18 power switch 18 printer port 18 USB adapter cables 77 key 14 READ cuvette read types 30 Water Constant 20 readings per well 45 wavelengths key 14 selecting for absorbance 42...
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