Molecular Devices SpectraMax iD3 Microplate Reader
Description
The Molecular Devices SpectraMax iD3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader is a versatile, high-performance instrument designed for a wide range of laboratory applications in life sciences research. It offers three primary detection modes: absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence ,making it suitable for assays such as ELISAs, nucleic acid and protein quantification, and microbial growth studies. The iD3 is equipped with a large, high-resolution touchscreen interface, allowing users to set up custom protocols, run experiments, and access preconfigured protocols without needing a dedicated computer workstation. Its built-in near-field communication (NFC) functionality enables personalized workflows, letting users tap NFC tags to quickly access custom protocols and results, which is particularly useful in multi-user labs. The optical system of the SpectraMax iD3 features a xenon flash lamp and an ultra-cooled photomultiplier tube (PMT) detector, which reduces background noise to provide excellent sensitivity and a wide dynamic range. This makes it ideal for demanding applications requiring high precision. The instrument supports flexible temperature control, adjustable from ambient up to 66°C, enabling temperature-sensitive assays. It also includes the QuickSync feature, which pushes data to any computer on the same network in an Excel-compatible format, streamlining data management. The iD3 is compatible with 6- to 384-well microplate formats and offers orbital shaking for uniform sample mixing. Powered by Molecular Devices’ industry-leading SoftMax Pro Software, the iD3 provides over 160 ready-to-run protocols, advanced data analysis tools, and 21 curve-fit options. For regulated environments, the SoftMax Pro GxP Compliance Software ensures compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EudraLex Annex 11, offering secure data integrity for GMP/GLP labs. The instrument is modular and upgradeable, with options to expand capabilities for additional assays, though it does not include advanced modes like TR-FRET or BRET, which are available in the iD5 model.
Technical Details
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Read modes | Absorbance, Fluorescence (top/bottom read), Luminescence (top read) |
| Wavelength ranges | Abs: 230 - 1000 nm, FL Ex: 250 - 830 nm, FL Em: 270 - 850 nm, Lumi: 300 - 850 nm |
| Wavelength selection | Monochromator tunable in 1-nm increments |
| Absorbance photometric accuracy/linearity | < ±0.010 OD ±1.0%, 0 - 3 OD VIS 0 - 3 OD UV |
| Absorbance photometric precision/repeatability | < ±0.003 OD ±1.0%, 0 - 3 OD VIS 0 - 3 OD UV |
| Sensitivity top read optimized | FL: 1 pM fluorescein 96 well, 1 pM fluorescein 384 well, Lumi: 2 pM ATP 96 well, 4 pM |
| Light source(s) | High power xenon flash lamp |
| Detector(s) | Silicon photodiode, Ultra-cooled photomultiplier tube |
| Read types (endpoint, kinetic, etc) | Endpoint, Kinetic, Spectrum scan, Well scan |
| Read times | Abs: 28 seconds, FL: 21 seconds, Lumi: 21 seconds |
| Plate shaking | Linear, Orbital, Double orbital |
| Injectors | true |
| Western blot | false |
| Stand-alone touchscreen operation | true |
| Robotics / automation | true |
| Plate type(s) | 6-384 well plates |
| Temperature control | true, Ambient + 5°C to 66°C |
| Dimensions | H 40.1 cm x W 53.2 cm x D 59.8 cm |
| Validation tools | true, Absorbance validation plate, Fluorescence validation plate, Luminescence validation plate, SoftMax® Pro GxP Software |