Microplate Readers

Microplate Readers

Microplate readers, also known as plate readers or microplate spectrophotometers, are laboratory instruments used to measure the absorbance or fluorescence of samples in microplates. Microplates, also called microtiter plates, are flat plastic or glass plates with multiple wells arranged in a grid pattern. Each well can hold a small volume of sample, typically in the range of 50-500 µL. Microplate readers are widely used in life science research, drug discovery, clinical diagnostics, and other fields where high-throughput analysis of samples is required. They can measure the absorbance or fluorescence of multiple samples simultaneously, allowing researchers to quickly analyze large numbers of samples in a single experiment. Microplate readers can also be used to perform kinetic assays, where the absorbance or fluorescence of a sample is measured over time to monitor changes in the sample. There are two main types of microplate readers: absorbance readers and fluorescence readers. Absorbance readers measure the amount of light absorbed by a sample at a specific wavelength, while fluorescence readers measure the amount of light emitted by a sample in response to excitation at a specific wavelength. Some microplate readers can perform both absorbance and fluorescence measurements. Microplate readers typically have a range of features and capabilities, including programmable protocols, automatic plate handling, and data analysis software. They can be used to measure a wide range of samples, including proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, and small molecules.

microplates, absorbance, fluorescence, high-throughput, kinetic assays

— Richard Gonzalez

CITATION : "Richard Gonzalez. 'Microplate Readers.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/microplate-readers?E=371261 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"