Used BMG LABTECH FLUOstar Omega Multimode Microplate Reader

The BMG LABTECH FLUOstar Omega Multimode Microplate Reader​ is a high-performance, modular platform designed for maximum flexibility in life science research. It combines the speed of filter-based detection with the versatility of a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, making it suitable for applications ranging from basic protein quantification to advanced cell-based kinetic assays.

Core Technology & Detection Modes

The FLUOstar Omega employs a hybrid optical system. For fluorescence intensity (FI), time-resolved fluorescence (TRF/TR-FRET), and luminescence (including BRET and AlphaScreen/AlphaLISA), it utilizes a high-energy xenon flash lamp paired with a filter-based system​ (excitation and emission filter wheels, each holding up to 8 filters) to maximize light throughput and sensitivity. For absorbance, it integrates a dedicated UV-Vis spectrophotometer​ capable of full-spectrum scanning from 220–1000 nm with a resolution of 1–10 nm, achieving speeds of less than 1 second per well. This dual-optics approach ensures optimal performance: the filters provide high sensitivity for low-light applications, while the monochromator offers wavelength flexibility for method development without physical filter changes.

Key Features for Advanced Assays

• Integrated Reagent Injectors: Up to two onboard injectors allow for kinetic measurements (e.g., enzyme kinetics, calcium flux). Each injector can dispense volumes from 3–500 µL per well with adjustable speed, enabling precise initiation of reactions directly inside the reader.

• Atmospheric & Temperature Control: An optional Atmospheric Control Unit (ACU) regulates O₂ (1–19%) and CO₂ (0–20%) levels, essential for live-cell assays and hypoxia studies. The incubator controls temperatures from 4°C above ambient up to 45°C, 60°C, or 65°C (depending on configuration), with orbital shaking for mixing.

• High-Resolution Scanning: The instrument supports both well-scanning​ (up to 900 points per well for heterogeneous samples) and spectral scanning, providing detailed spatial and spectral data beyond simple endpoint reads.

Performance & Usability

The system is known for its robustness and low maintenance (no optical recalibration typically required). It is controlled by BMG LABTECH's MARS data analysis software, which offers pre-configured application templates and advanced data analysis tools, including path length correction for absorbance measurements to normalize data to a 1 cm path length. The FLUOstar Omega is also upgradable​ in the field; users can start with a basic configuration and later add injectors, gas control, or additional detection modes, protecting their long-term investment.

Technical Specifications Table

Applications

The FLUOstar Omega is widely used for protein and nucleic acid quantification​ (Bradford, BCA, DNA/RNA), ELISA, enzyme activity kinetics, cell viability/toxicity, GPCR signaling​ (calcium flux), and high-sensitivity TR-FRET assays​ (e.g., HTRF, LanthaScreen). Its ability to handle both fast kinetics (up to 50 data points per second) and long-term cell-based experiments makes it a versatile workhorse in academic, pharmaceutical, and biotech laboratories.

Note: Specifications may vary based on the specific configuration (e.g., presence of injectors, ACU). When evaluating a used instrument, verify the installed modules and filter sets against the original configuration sheet.