Modulus™ Microplate Multimode Reader
 

Product Series: Multimode Readers
Plate Format: 96-Well Plate
Technologies: Luminescence, Fluorescence, and Absorbance
Optional Features: Single or Dual Auto Injectors
 

Overview

The Modulus™ Microplate Multimode Reader is skillfully designed for today’s life science laboratory. In addition to having performance on par with single-mode instruments, the Modulus™ Microplate blends user-friendly operation with easy data handling and flexible purchasing options. The result of this design is an instrument with superior performance that is easy to use, is affordable, and can be customized to your laboratory’s needs.

Performance

The Modulus™ Microplate Multimode Reader combines the superior performance expected from single-mode instruments with the functionality of multiple modes. To achieve industry-leading performance, the Modulus™ Microplate is designed with optical channels dedicated to each individual technology. Unlike other multimode systems, readings taken with the Modulus™ Microplate are not degraded by indirect fiber-optic transmission or crowded optical channels. Dedicated optical channeling ensures that the Modulus™ Microplate provides sensitivity and dynamic range on par with the highest performing single-mode instruments.

Ease of Use

The Modulus™ Microplate Multimode Reader is designed to be put into use straight from the box, without the need to read a manual or obtain special training. To achieve this plug-and-play usability, the Modulus™ Microplate combines a color LCD touch screen with a Windows-based onboard computer. The built-in computer eliminates the connectivity hassles, cost, and space requirements of running an external computer. Assay set-up on the Modulus™ Microplate is effortless with several flexible set-up options to choose from. Once an assay is run, data can be transferred in Excel-compatible .csv format from the Modulus™ Microplate using the built-in USB drive and the USB stick that comes with the instrument.

Affordable Modularity

The Modulus™ Microplate is a modular instrument that easily fits into most budgets. Purchase the technology or modes that you need now and add onto the system later as your needs expand. For example, the Modulus™ Microplate can be purchased as a luminometer, then fluorescence and/or absorbance modules can be purchased and added later.
There is no need for a service call or downtime. Installations take less than ten minutes and can be done right in your lab using just an Allen wrench which is provided with the module. In addition, after installing a new module, you will not need to download and install new software. The Modulus™ Microplate instantly detects the newly installed module(s) and will automatically adjust screens, protocols, and options.

Figure 1: The Luminescence Module light path is isolated through a dual-masking system at both the detector and at the well being read. The dual-masking system is designed to eliminate stray light by creating a column through which the light from the sample passes to the detector.
 

Figure 2: The Fluorescence Module uses an epifluorescent design to ensure a consistent measurement position. This approach reduces the impact of small sample volume fluctuations by consistently measuring the sample at the same position from well to well.

Figure 3: The Absorbance Module comes with four factory-installed filters for measuring ELISA and protein quantitation assays. In addition, custom filters can be easily added to the two removable filter paddles for expanded assay options.
 

Luminescence Channel

• > 8 logs dynamic range
• Optional Single or Dual Auto Injectors
• Dual-masking system reduces crosstalk

*Recommended

Luminescence Module(Factory Installed)

The Modulus™ Microplate Multimode Reader with the Luminescence Module is designed to deliver performance equivalent to dedicated microplate luminometers while also offering the flexibility of a multimode reader.

To achieve sensitivity on par with that of a dedicated luminometer, the luminescence channel is separated from other measurement technologies and positioned directly above the sample well. These conditions maximize light capture for the best possible sensitivity. In conjunction, a low-noise photomultiplier tube ensures that collected light is not compromised in any way. This design makes the Modulus™ Microplate between 10 to 1000 times more sensitive than competing multimode luminometers.

In addition to high sensitivity, the Modulus™ Microplate boasts greater than 8 logs of dynamic range, eliminating the need to dilute samples or manage detector-driven gain changes. To achieve this extra large reading range, the Modulus™ Microplate is capable of simultaneously measuring samples of varying brightness. The photomultiplier tube automatically adjusts for the optimum reading of bright or dim samples. This means that the Modulus™ Microplate is capable of achieving a reading range of 2 – 3 logs more than competing multimode luminometers.

For further functionality, a Modulus™ Microplate with the Luminescence Module is designed to reduce crosstalk. The luminescent light path is isolated through a dual-masking system at both the detector and the well being read. Dual masking eliminates stray light by creating a column in which the light from the sample passes directly to the detector. When using 96-well white plates, this dual-masking system effectively results in a crosstalk rejection of 5 x 10-5.

Fluoresence Channel

• Epifluorescent detection
• Easy optical kit switching
• Wavelength-matched LEDs ensure high sensitivity
 

Fluorescence Module (User Installable)

A Modulus™ Microplate Multimode Reader with the Fluorescence Module installed is designed to deliver both high performance and user flexibility.

To achieve high performance, the Fluorescence Module utilizes powerful light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as excitation sources. LEDs have very specific light-output profiles which closely match the excitation profiles of commonly used fluorescent molecules. LED usage increases sensitivity by fully exciting the fluorophore and reducing non-specific light leakage, a problem often found when using broad-spectrum light sources. Additionally, the Modulus™ Microplate Fluorescence Module uses an epifluorescent design to ensure a consistent measurement position. This pinpointed approach reduces the impact of volume fluctuation within small samples by reliably measuring at the same position from well to well.

The Modulus™ Microplate Fluorescence Module accepts different Fluorescence Optical Kits for measuring a variety of fluorophores. Four standard optical kits are available to measure the most popular fluorophores including Hoechst dye, fluorescein, rhodamine, Cy3, and Cy5. In addition, custom optical kits can be readily made for non-standard applications. Optical kits can be easily exchanged in seconds and built-in software ensures that the installed optical kit matches the selected application protocol. Protocols for nucleic acids and proteins such as PicoGreen®, RiboGreen®, and Quant-iT™ assays are preprogrammed into the Modulus™ Microplate for your convenience.

The Modulus™ Microplate Fluorescence Module is designed as a user-installable module. This means that you can either buy the Fluorescence Module now or add it to your system later when your lab is ready to run fluorescence experiments. The ability to add modules as you need them gives you great purchasing flexibility. Installation is easy and takes less than ten minutes with the provided tool. There is no downtime or need for a service call.
 

Absorbance Channel

• Flexible filter system
• 0 - 5.0 OD reading range
• Reads single or dual wavelengths
 

Absorbance Module (400 - 800 nm) (User Installable)
By purchasing the Modulus™ Microplate Multimode Reader with the Absorbance Module installed, the instrument stands alone as a high-performance photometer. As an alternative, purchase the Absorbance Module later and install it yourself. Installation is easy and takes less than ten minutes with the provided tool. There is no downtime or need for a service call.

The Modulus™ Microplate Multimode Reader with Absorbance Module provides measurements that are highly sensitive and cover a wide dynamic range. The absorbance channel has a reading range of 0 - 5.0 Optical Density (OD) with an accuracy that deviates less than 2%. The channel consists of a white LED with a spectral range of 400 to 800 nm positioned at the bottom of the instrument. As it shines through the bottom of the plate, your sample absorbs the light in a wavelength range that is dictated by your individual application. The final stage for measuring absorbance involves the light passing into a large-area photodiode where it is measured and processed.

The Absorbance Module comes with two open filter slots and four factory-installed filters. The preinstalled filters are for 450, 560, 600, and 750 nm as these cover the most common ELISA and protein assays. With two open filter slots, you can also customize the absorbance module by adding the filter paddle of your choice. In addition, it is easy to run ratiometric absorbance-based assays to adjust for optical imperfections. Simply use the color touch screen to select the two desired wavelengths. OD values for each wavelength or a ratio of the two wavelengths will appear on the easy-to-read display screen.

Intuitive User Interface

The Windows-based computer built into the Modulus™ Microplate Reader offers dynamic user-interface capabilities. Simply choose from three options on the instrument touch screen to start setting up a run.
 

Injectors

Both single and dual injectors are available for the Modulus™ Microplate Luminometer. Each injector has a volume range of 25 – 200 l in 5-l increments. Installed injector systems are automatically recognized by the instrument and controlled using the touch screen and fluidics wizard. Prime and Flush commands provide easy maintenance and a Reverse Purge command saves valuable reagents. Injectors are recommended for labs running experiments with flash-based luminescence applications or dual-reporter assays.

Luminescence Light Plate

The optional Luminescence Light Plate provides an external control to confirm that the luminometer functions properly. Some labs require this additional verification procedure. Reading the light plate before taking measurements is a quick and easy way to ensure quality control over linearity and consistency of readings.

Microplate Format
The Modulus™ Microplate Multimode Reader accepts 96-well plates conforming to the SBS plate standard.

Data Analysis
Because data is provided in .csv format, any necessary data manipulations can be done within Excel. For optimum ease of analysis, Turner BioSystems has additionally developed optional, specialized software. This Curve-Fitting Data Analysis Software program provides calculation, graphing, and printing of eight different curve-fitting methods: linear fit, quadratic fit, cubic fit, two-parameter fit, four-parameter with linear x-axis fit, four-parameter with log two-axis fit, linear spline, and cubic spline. This software option is compatible with the Windows® XP operating system for PC computers.

Computer Interface
An optional software program is available for those labs that would prefer to operate the Modulus™ Microplate Multimode Reader through an external PC. The PC Connect Kit contains all of the same ease-of-use features which are available via the instrument’s built-in touch screen.

Modulus™ Microplate Multimode Reader
Instrument Specifications (9300-010)

Detection Modes: Luminescence, Fluorescence, Absorbance
Read Type: Glow, Flash, Kinetic, Repeat
Sample Format: 96-well plates
User Interface: Built-in PC, touch screen navigation and operation
Data Output: PC or Mac compatible .csv file format exported to USB flash drive, or connect to PC (not included) through optional PC connect kit
External PC Requirements (optional): Windows XP or higher
Computer Interface: RS-232 port
Power: 100 - 240 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz
Auto Shutoff: Touch screen hibernates after 15 min of inactivity
Dimensions: 21” D x 17.3” W x 12.2” H (53 cm D x 44 cm W x 31 cm H)
Weight: ~35 lbs (~16 kg)
Operating Temperature: 60 - 85 ºF (15 - 30 ºC)
Warranty: One year parts and labor
Approvals: CE
 

Luminescence Module Specifications (9300-020 Factory Installed)

Detector: Head-on photomultiplier tube (PMT) for photon counting
Spectral Range: 350 - 650 nm
Peak Wavelength: 420 nm
Detection Limit: 3 x 10-21 moles of luciferase or 1 x 10-18 moles of ATP
Linear Dynamic Range: >8 logs
Crosstalk: 5 x 10-5

Fluorescence Module Specifications (9300-040 User Installable)

Light Source: Wavelength-matched LED
Detector: PIN-photodiode
Read Position: Top reading
Wavelength Selection: Snap-in Fluorescence Optical Kits
Wavelengths:
UV (Ex 365 nm, Em 410 - 460 nm)Blue (Ex 490 nm, Em 510 - 570 nm) Green (Ex 525 nm, Em 580 - 640 nm) Red (Ex 625 nm, Em 660 - 720 nm)
Detection Limit: 0.5 fmol/200 l or 1 ppt of fluorescein in 96-well plate, 30 pg/well dsDNA with PicoGreen®
Linear Dynamic Range: 6 logs, assay dependent
Read Out: Relative Fluorescence units
Discrete Sample Average: Sample readings averaged over 0.5 sec to improve accuracy

Absorbance Module - Vis Specifications (9300-050 User Installable)

Light Source: LED
Detector: Large-area photodiode
Spectral Range: 400 - 800 nm
Wavelengths for Installed Filters: 450, 560, 600, 750 nm
Photometric Measuring Range: 0 - 5.0 OD
Linear Dynamic Range: 0 - 4.0 OD, assay dependent
OD Accuracy: 0.01 OD ± 3% 2.5 OD
OD Precision: 0.01 OD ± 1%
Stray Light: 0.002% at 560 nm in clear bottom, black wall plates
 

Single Injector System Specifications (9300-061 Optional)

Number of Injectors: One injector
Dispense Volume Range: Selectable between 25 - 200 l in 5 l increments
Waste Tray Volume: ~50 ml

Dual Injector System Specifications (9300-062 Optional)

Number of Injectors: Two injectors
Dispense Volume Range: Selectable between 25 -200 l in 5 l increments
Waste Tray Volume: ~50 ml
 

For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. Modulus is a trademark of Turner BioSystems, Inc. All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.

Terms of iPod Promotion:
Promotion is valid until December 31, 2008 and only valid in the U.S. and Canada. Promotion applies only to instruments purchased directly from Turner BioSystems. Void where prohibited. Subject to change without notice. Not to be combined with any other offers. Modulus Microplate Multimode Reader is a registered trademark of Turner BioSystems. iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.