Microplate readers in cancer research: applications, advancements, and future perspectives

6 May 2025

Despite significant advances in understanding cancer's molecular and cellular basis, there is still much to learn about its causes, progression, and potential treatments. Researchers increasingly rely on innovative tools and techniques to continue making headway in this critical field. One such indispensable instrument is the microplate reader. In this application eBook from Molecular Devices, explore a comprehensive overview of the role of microplate readers in cancer research and development. Furthermore, dive into the science behind these versatile devices, exploring how they have revolutionized our ability to study cancer at a cellular level.

SpectraMax® Microplate Readers

Molecular Devices®

The SpectraMax® line of user-friendly microplate readers provide great flexibility for labs conducting applications ranging from ELISAs to nucleic acid and protein quantitation, and include absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence and more

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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.Cancer ResearchAlthough cancer is often referred to as a single condition, it actually consists of more than 100 different diseases. Microscopy, mass spectrometry, high throughput sequencing and flow cytometry are some of the most common techniques employed in cancer research labs.
Microplate readers in cancer research: applications, advancements, and future perspectives