New High Performance Microplate Reader for Clinical and Research Use

The new CLARIOstar microplate reader from BMG Labtech (Ortenberg, Germany) is the latest evolution in microplate reader instrumentation. This instrument is a multimode microplate reader with advanced LVF (linear variable filter) monochromators, highly sensitive filters, and an ultrafast spectrometer. It is a modular microplate reader, having up to eight different detection modes, including: fluorescence intensity, FRET, fluorescence polarization, luminescence, BRET, UV/Vis absorbance, time-resolved fluorescence, TR-FRET, and AlphaScreen/AphaLISA.

The proprietary AlphaScreen/AlphaLISA assays are performed with a high-energy laser. Kinetic and cell-based assays can be initiated with reagent injectors, and an integrated fluorophore library aids assay development and set up.


Advanced LVF monochromators having continually adjustable wavelengths (320 to 850 nm) and bandwidths (8 to 100 nm) for excitation and for emission significantly increase performance over conventional monochromators. Also, highly sensitive filters can be used in tandem with the advanced LVF monochromators for maximum versatility and sensitivity.

In addition to the advanced LVF monochromators for fluorescence and luminescence assays, the CLARIOstar integrates technologies that enhance other life science assays. Rapid, full spectrum UV/Vis absorbance (220 to 1,000 nm) is performed with BMG Labtech’s proprietary ultrafast spectrometer (less than one second per well). Cell-based assays are greatly improved with 0.1 mm Z-height resolution and cell layer scanning.

CLARIOstar's advanced monochromator system consists of two LVF monochromators and filter selectors, one for excitation and one for emission. In addition, a linear variable dichroic mirror (LVDM) slide is used to separate the excitation from the emission light. The LVF monochromator consists of a linear variable long pass (LVLP) slide and a linear variable short pass (LVSP) slide. The LVLP forms the rising edge while the LVSP forms the falling edge of a bandpass filter. By moving the LVLP and the LVSP slides relative to each other, the system creates a filter with a distinct variable peak wavelength and bandwidth. The manufacturer maintains that enhanced light transmission and better blocking of stray light significantly increase the performance of Clariostar when compared to conventional monochromators.

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BMG Labtech