The Innovative CLARIOstar Multi-mode Microplate Reader at analytica 2014

17 Mar 2014
Lois Manton-O'Byrne, PhD
Executive Editor

Industry news

The CLARIOstar is BMG LABTECH most versatile multi-mode microplate reader. It has Triple Detection Technology – filters, a spectrometer, and new advanced LVF MonochromatorsTM. This trio of technologies ensures that the CLARIOstar does not compromise performance for flexibility in any of its eight different detection modes:

  • LVF Monochromators offer the greatest flexibility for fluorescence and luminescence
  • Spectrometer provides the fastest spectral scanning for UV/Vis absorbance
  • Optical filters ensure the greatest sensitivity in all advanced assays.

The CLARIOstar can be seen at Analytica in Munich from April 1-4, Booth B1.314.


Enhanced Flexibility and Sensitivity with LVF MonochromatorsTM

Besides being one of the most sensitive microplate readers currently available, the CLARIOstar has a new and exciting technological advancement not found in other readers. LVF Monochromators are the most sensitive and most flexible monochromators currently available in a microplate reader. LVF Monochromators use patented linear variable filters to separate light into distinct wavelengths, unlike conventional monochromators that use metal gratings. With continuously adjustable bandwidths up to 100 nm (four times larger than conventional monochromators) and significantly increased performance, LVF Monochromators have filter-like sensitivity and flexibility for fluorescence and luminescence assays.

The LVF Monochromators can be used in any common fluorescence or luminescence assay, but they are also suited for more complex applications. Scanning the spectra of new or unusual fluorophores, where the excitation and emission wavelengths are unknown, or scanning fluorophores in non-standard buffer conditions where the pH may affect the peak maxima, is easily done. In addition, multiplexing assays with fluorophores or lumiphores of similar or overlapping spectra benefit greatly from definable bandwidths of 8 to 100 nms. This allows the user to define ‘filters’ that make the assay workable. Wavelength and bandwidth can be the difference between an okay and a fantastic assay.

Multi-mode CLARIOstar Does Not Compromise Performance for Convenience

In addition to the new and unique dual monochromators, the CLARIOstar has several other technological advancements that ensure the best performance for your research. A UV/Vis spectrometer can scan an entire absorbance spectrum from 220 to 1000 nm (at 1 nm resolution) in less than 1 second – this is technology previously found only in a cuvette. Ultra-fast, full spectrum absorbance measurements will change the way you do colorimetric assays. In addition optical filters, which can be used in combination with the LVF Monochromator, provide the greatest performance in advanced assays like fluorescence polarization, time-resolved fluorescence, and AlphaScreen® / AlphaLISA®.


Improved Cell-Based Assay Performance with the CLARIOstar

Most other microplate readers use fiber optics to measure cell-based assays from the bottom of the microplate. The CLARIOstar, however, has Direct Optic Bottom Reading. A series of motor driven mirrors directly reflects light to and from the microplate bottom, eliminating the need for inefficient fiber optics. With Direct Optic Bottom Reading, significantly more light is measured, which results in significantly better performance in fluorescent protein cell-based assays like GFP.


Please visit BMG LABTECH and experience the CLARIOstar yourself at Analytica in Munich, Germany from April 1-4 at Booth B1, Hall 314.

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UV-Visible SpectroscopyUltraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometers are used to measure the interaction of UV and visible light with a sample, including transmission, reflectance & absorbance. The two major instrument classes are single-beam or double-beam spectrophotometers. More specialized equipment includes colorimeters, spectroradiometers and refractometers. Portable and microvolume spectrophotometers are also available. For the modular spectroscopy lab, explore a range of light sources for combination with a spectrograph/spectrometer and optics. Find the best UV-Vis spectroscopy products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.MicroplatesMicroplates are multi-well plates used to increase the throughput of biological investigations. The number of wells microplates contain can range from 6 to 3243 wells, with the 96-well format being the most commonly used. Microplates can come tailored for a range of applications including cell culture, PCR, filtration, storage, non-binding surface, protein crystallization, as well as pre-coated, deep well and normal Standard microplates. Additionally, options for microplate colors include clear , black, white or black with clear bottom and white with clear bottom for absorbance microplate reader applications. Find the best microplates for your lab in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Microplate Readers / DetectorsMicroplate readers are used to automate the detection and analysis of labeled or label-free components in microplates during assays or live-cell monitoring. Microplate readers are generally distinguished by their mode of detection. Types include absorbance, luminescence, fluorescence intensity, fluorescence polarization, TRF / FRET and multimode microplate readers. Microplate readers deliver a high throughput of samples by reading multiple wells simultaneously, with the 96-well format the most commonly used. As a result, microplate readers are often used in the drug discovery, bioassays, research and pharmaceutical industries for screening applications. Microplate loading can also be automated, with robotic microplate stackers to increase throughput. Find the best microplate readers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.FluorescenceThe emission of fluorescence occurs when a photon of energy is supplied to a fluorescent chemical compound by an external source, causing it to become excited. Fluorescence can be detected and measured for different purposes using microplate readers, fluorescence microscopes, fluorescence scanners, and flow cytometers.Fluorescence Based AssayFluorescence based assays are widely used in life science research and high-throughput screening to measure a broad range of cellular activities.MonochromatoranalyticaAnalytica is a leading international trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis, and biotechnology, showcasing innovations and solutions in the scientific community. Stay updated with the latest trends and products in the industry. LuminescenceLuminescence techniques detect and measure light emitted by substances during chemical reactions or biological processes. Widely used in assays for diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and drug screening, luminescence-based methods offer high sensitivity. Explore leading systems and products in our directory.
The Innovative CLARIOstar Multi-mode Microplate Reader at analytica 2014